WO2021247501A1

WO2021247501A1 - Incline cascade system

Info

Publication number: WO2021247501A1
Application number: PCT/US2021/035147
Authority: WO
Inventors: Francis Dautreuil
Original assignee: Cms Technology, Inc.
Priority date: 2020-06-02
Filing date: 2021-06-01
Publication date: 2021-12-09

Abstract

Disclosed herein are systems for foodstuff treatment, the systems comprising: a first dispenser configured to dispense therefrom a working fluid against a foodstuff located at a first height measured in the y-direction and at a first location measured along an axis in the x-direction, and the outlet optionally being configured to dispense the working fluid in a stream having an oblong cross-section; a second dispenser configured to dispense therefrom a working fluid against a foodstuff located at a second height measured in the y-direction and at a second location measured in the x-direction, the second height being greater than the first height, and the second location being at a different location along the axis in the x-direction, the second dispenser optionally being configured to dispense the working fluid in a stream having an oblong cross-section, a foodstuff conveyor train, the foodstuff conveyor train being configured to convey the foodstuff along the x-direction.

Description

INCLINE CASCADE SYSTEM

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority to and the benefit of United States patent application no. 63/033,296, “Incline Cascade System” (filed June 2, 2020), the entirety of which application is incorporated herein by reference for any and all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of foodstuff disinfection and foodstuff handling.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Existing systems and methods for disinfecting foodstuffs are often processed via horizontal conveyor systems. Such systems, however, are space-inefficient, as they have comparatively large footprints. Accordingly, there is a long-felt need for space-efficient foodstuff disinfection systems.

SUMMARY

[0001] In meeting the long-felt needs described above, the present disclosure provides systems, comprising: a first dispenser, the first dispenser being configured to dispense therefrom a working fluid against a foodstuff located at a first height measured in the y-direction and at a first location measured along an axis in the x-direction, and the outlet optionally being configured to dispense the working fluid in a stream having an oblong cross- section; a second dispenser, the second dispenser being configured to dispense therefrom a working fluid against a foodstuff located at a second height measured in the y-direction and at a second location measured in the x-direction, the second height being greater than the first height, and the second location being at a different location along the axis in the x-direction, the second dispenser optionally being configured to dispense the working fluid in a stream having an oblong cross-section, at least one of the first dispenser and the second dispenser comprises a tank having an outlet and being configured such that working fluid received by the tank fills the tank beneath the outlet and exits the outlet, a foodstuff conveyor train, the foodstuff conveyor train being configured to convey the foodstuff along the x-direction such that the foodstuff (1) passes through the first height and receives working fluid dispensed by the first dispenser, and (2) passes through the second height and receives working fluid dispensed by the second dispenser.

[0004] Also provided are systems, comprising: one or more first dispensers, a first dispenser being configured to dispense therefrom a working fluid against a foodstuff located at a first location xl, yl in the x-y plane, wherein the y-direction is measured vertically, a first dispenser optionally being configured to dispense the working fluid in a stream having an oblong cross-section; one or more second dispensers, a second dispenser being configured to dispense therefrom a working fluid against a foodstuff located at a second location x2, y2 in the x-y plane, wherein x2 and y2 differ from yl and xl, a second dispenser optionally being configured to dispense the working fluid in a stream having an oblong cross-section, at least one first dispenser and/or at least one second dispenser comprising a tank and having an outlet and being configured such that working fluid received by the tank fills the tank beneath the outlet and exits the outlet, a foodstuff conveyor train, the foodstuff conveyor train being configured to convey the foodstuff such that the foodstuff (1) passes through the first location and receives working fluid dispensed by at least one lower dispenser, and (2) passes through the second location and receives working fluid dispensed by the second dispenser.

[0005] Additionally provided are methods, comprising: conveying a foodstuff through a first location xl, yl in the x-y plane, wherein the y-direction is measured vertically; dispensing from a first dispenser a working fluid such that the foodstuff receives the working fluid when located at the first location; conveying the foodstuff through a second location x2, y2 in the x-y plane, wherein the y-direction is measured vertically and wherein x2 and y2 differ from xl and yl; and dispensing from a second dispenser a working fluid such that the foodstuff receives the working fluid when located at the second location.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numerals may describe similar components in different views. Like numerals having different letter suffixes may represent different instances of similar components. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various aspects discussed in the present document. In the drawings:

[0007] FIG. 1 provides a front-on view of a system according to the present disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 2 provides a side view of a system according to the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 3 provides a comparison (via side views) of a system according to a traditional arrangement, and a system according to the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 4 provides a side view of a system according to the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 5 provides exemplary designs of working fluid dispensers according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0012] The present disclosure may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of desired embodiments and the examples included therein.

[0013] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. In case of conflict, the present document, including definitions, will control. Preferred methods and materials are described below, although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in practice or testing. All publications, patent applications, patents and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. The materials, methods, and examples disclosed herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

[0014] The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0015] As used in the specification and in the claims, the term "comprising" may include the embodiments "consisting of and "consisting essentially of.” The terms “comprise(s),” “include(s),” “having,” “has,” “can,” “contain(s),” and variants thereof, as used herein, are intended to be open-ended transitional phrases, terms, or words that require the presence of the named ingredients/steps and permit the presence of other ingredients/steps. However, such description should be construed as also describing compositions or processes as "consisting of and "consisting essentially of the enumerated ingredients/steps, which allows the presence of only the named ingredients/steps, along with any impurities that might result therefrom, and excludes other ingredients/steps.

[0016] As used herein, the terms “about” and “at or about” mean that the amount or value in question can be the value designated some other value approximately or about the same. It is generally understood, as used herein, that it is the nominal value indicated ±10% variation unless otherwise indicated or inferred. The term is intended to convey that similar values promote equivalent results or effects recited in the claims. That is, it is understood that amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be exact, but can be approximate and/or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art. In general, an amount, size, formulation, parameter or other quantity or characteristic is “about” or “approximate” whether or not expressly stated to be such. It is understood that where “about” is used before a quantitative value, the parameter also includes the specific quantitative value itself, unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0017] Unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical values should be understood to include numerical values which are the same when reduced to the same number of significant figures and numerical values which differ from the stated value by less than the experimental error of conventional measurement technique of the type described in the present application to determine the value.

[0018] All ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the recited endpoint and independently of the endpoints, 2 grams and 10 grams, and all the intermediate values). The endpoints of the ranges and any values disclosed herein are not limited to the precise range or value; they are sufficiently imprecise to include values approximating these ranges and/or values.

[0019] As used herein, approximating language may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that may vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “about” and “substantially,” may not be limited to the precise value specified, in some cases. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. The modifier “about” should also be considered as disclosing the range defined by the absolute values of the two endpoints. For example, the expression “from about 2 to about 4” also discloses the range “from 2 to 4.” The term “about” may refer to plus or minus 10% of the indicated number. For example, “about 10%” may indicate a range of 9% to 11%, and “about 1” may mean from 0.9-1.1. Other meanings of “about” may be apparent from the context, such as rounding off, so, for example “about 1” may also mean from 0.5 to 1.4. Further, the term “comprising” should be understood as having its open- ended meaning of “including,” but the term also includes the closed meaning of the term “consisting.” For example, a composition that comprises components A and B may be a composition that includes A, B, and other components, but may also be a composition made of A and B only. Any documents cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entireties for any and all purposes.

[0020] Figures

[0021] The appended figures are illustrative of the disclosed technology but do not limit the scope of the present disclosure or the appended claims.

[0022] For convenience, certain elements in the appended figures are listed below.

[0023] 100a - 1 OOd - foodstuff

[0024] 110 - working fluid

[0025] 120 - upper dispenser

[0026] 120a - second upper dispenser

[0027] 130 - outlet for upper dispenser

[0028] 140 - dispensed fluid from upper dispenser

[0029] 150 - lower dispenser

[0030] 150a - second lower dispenser

[0031] 152 - dispenser

[0032] 160 - outlet for lower dispenser

[0033] 170 - working fluid for lower dispenser

[0034] 180 - dispensed fluid from lower dispenser

[0035] 190 - conveyor (e.g., a shackle line)

[0036] 192 - tank

[0037] 194 - catch basin

[0038] 196 - return line from catch basin to tank

[0039] 198 - working fluid distribution line

[0040] 198a - line distributing working fluid to dispenser 120

[0041] 198b - line distributing working fluid to dispenser 152 [0042] yl - vertical location of lower dispenser

[0043] y2 - vertical location of upper dispenser

[0044] 200 - dispenser

[0045] 210 - working fluid

[0046] 220 - working fluid supply

[0047] 230a - slit for dispensing working fluid

[0048] 230b - ovoid opening for dispensing working fluid

[0049] 230c - holes for dispensing streams of fluid

[0050] FIG. 1 provides a front view of an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed technology. As shown, foodstuffs 100a - lOOd are communicated through a plurality of dispensers 120, 120a, 150, and 150a. Working fluid 110 is dispensed (as dispensed fluid 140, which can be, e.g., a stream, a spray) from outlet 130 of first upper dispenser 120 so as to treat foodstuff 100a. Fluid is also dispensed from second upper dispenser 120a; the fluid dispensed from second upper dispenser 120a can be working fluid 110, but can also be a fluid other than working fluid 110. As shown, upper dispenser 120 is located at y location y2. Second upper dispenser 120a can also be located at y location y2.

[0051] As shown, as a foodstuff moves toward different y values (e.g., from y 1 to y2), the foodstuff is first contacted with fluid dispensed from lower dispenser 150 and second lower dispenser 150a, and then by fluid from upper dispenser 120 and second upper dispenser 120a. Working fluid 170 can be dispensed from lower dispenser 150; the fluid can be dispensed from lower dispenser outlet 160. Dispensed fluid 180 can be in the form of a stream, spray, or other form. As shown, a given foodstuff can be translated from lower y values (e.g., yl) toward higher y values (e.g., y2). The foodstuff can be translated in an “uphill” or a “downhill” manner. As an example, foodstuff lOOd can be translated “uphill” toward higher y values such that foodstuff lOOd attains the position shown of foodstuff 100c, then of foodstuff 100b, and then of foodstuff 100a.

[0052] FIG. 2 provides a side view of the system shown in FIG. 1. As shown, Foodstuffs 100a, 100b, 100c, and lOOd are, respectively, located at decreasing y values and decreasing x values and can be moved along direction 200. As shown, a foodstuff that travels along direction 200 (e.g., from lower x values and lower y values to higher x values and higher y values) receives fluid first from dispenser 120 and then from dispenser 150. In this way, a given foodstuff is subjected to a cascade of fluid treatments - without being bound to any particular theory, exposure to multiple cascades an .

[0053] Also as shown by non-limiting FIG. 3, the disclosed technology allows for treatment of foodstuffs in a more space-efficient way than existing approaches. More specifically by having a cascade-style arrangement that takes advantage of placing dispensers at different y-values, a user can use less floor space while still subjecting foodstuffs to the desired number of separate dispenser treatments. This is shown in FIG. 3, which figure shows that in a traditional arrangement, 5 dispensers (304) would occupy an amount X of floor space. By using the disclosed arrangement, however, the same 5 dispensers (306) will occupy less than X amount of floor space, thereby allowing the user to effectively place more dispensers (and thus process more foodstuffs, 302) per unit of floor space in their facility.

[0054] FIG. 4 provides a cutaway view of an embodiment of the disclosed technology. As shown, a conveyor 190 can transport foodstuffs 100a and 100b along a given process line. Dispensers 150 (lower dispenser) and 120 (upper dispenser) are configured to dispense fluid to the foodstuffs as the foodstuffs pass by the dispensers. Tank 192 can contain a working fluid (e.g., a disinfectant, such as peracetic acid, “PAA”) that is then communicated through working fluid distribution line 198 to the dispensers. As an example, an additional line or manifold (198a) communicates working fluid communicated fluid from the distribution line 198 to dispenser 120. The fluid distribution line 198 can distribute working fluid to dispensers (e.g., 120, 150) that are located at progressively greater heights; a system can also include a first dispenser (152) that is located at a lower height than other dispensers that a foodstuff will encounter as the foodstuff is communicated within the system; dispenser 152 can be supplied by line 198b.

[0055] A system can also include a catch basin 194, which catch basin can be configured to collect working fluid that runs off of foodstuffs after the foodstuffs are treated with the working fluid. Fluid collected by the catch basin can be returned to tank 192. Fluid can be filtered or otherwise processed before being returned to the tank and then re distributed to the dispensers. In this way, a user can recycle working fluid that runs off of foodstuffs being treated by the system. Runoff fluid can be filtered, centrifuged, treated (e.g., to adjust pH), or otherwise process before being recycled.

[0056] Systems can be configured such that a dispenser is individually addressable. For example, a system can be configured so as to permit or block fluid flow to a given dispenser. This can be accomplished by way of an actuatable valve, which valve governs fluid distribution into a given dispenser. For example (and by reference to FIG. 4), a system can include a valve that governs passage of working fluid from distribution line 198 to additional line 198a, or even from additional line 198a to dispenser 120. In this way, one can operate a line while taking an individual dispenser or dispensers offline for service. It should also be understood that a system can be configured to dispense multiple fluids from the dispensers; for example, a system can be configured to supply a first working fluid (e.g., an acid) from dispenser 150, and a different, second working fluid (e.g., a second acid) from dispenser 120. Different working fluids can be stored in different feed tanks and fed to the dispensers via different distribution lines; different working fluids can also be stored in different feed tanks and then fed to the dispensers via the same distribution line. In this way, a user can effect multiple, different treatments (e.g., acid as a first treatment, a flavorant as a second treatment) on a given foodstuff, as that foodstuff passes through the system.

[0057] FIG. 5 provides a view of three example dispenser embodiments; Design 1, Design 2, and Design 3. Regarding Design 1, working fluid supply 220 provides working fluid (e.g., a solution that includes peracetic acid) to dispenser 200. As shown, dispenser 200 can be rectangular in shape, though this is not a requirement. As shown, working fluid 210 supplied by working fluid supply 220 enters dispenser 200 from the bottom and fills dispenser 220. Working fluid 210 then exits dispenser 200 through slit 230a. (Slit 230a can be of virtually any cross-section in shape.) As shown, working fluid 210 then exits slit 230a, where the exiting working fluid then contacts a foodstuff exposed to slit 230a. A slit can be formed such that working fluid exits the dispenser perpendicular to the dispenser, but this is not a requirement, as a slot can be configured such that working fluid exits the dispenser at a non-perpendicular angle. Also as shown, a dispenser can be configured such that the working fluid exits the dispenser in a curtain (as opposed to a narrow, cylindrical stream). Without being bound to any particular theory or approach, a curtain of working fluid may operate to provide improved exposure of the foodstuff to the working fluid.

[0058] Regarding Design 2, working fluid supply 220 provides working fluid (e.g., a solution that includes peracetic acid) to dispenser 200. As shown, dispenser 200 can be rectangular in shape, though this is not a requirement. As shown, working fluid 210 supplied by working fluid supply 220 enters dispenser 200 from the bottom and fills dispenser 220. Working fluid 210 then exits dispenser 200 through ovoid opening 230b. As shown, working fluid 210 then exits opening 230b, where the exiting working fluid then contacts a foodstuff exposed to opening 230b. Opening 230b can be formed such that working fluid exits the dispenser perpendicular to the dispenser, but this is not a requirement, as an opening can be configured such that working fluid exits the dispenser at a non-perpendicular angle.

[0059] Regarding Design 3, working fluid supply 220 provides working fluid (e.g., a solution that includes peracetic acid) to dispenser 200. As shown, dispenser 200 can be rectangular in shape, though this is not a requirement. As shown, working fluid 210 supplied by working fluid supply 220 enters dispenser 200 from the bottom and fills dispenser 220. Working fluid 210 then exits dispenser 200 through holes 230c. (Holes 230c can be of virtually any cross-section in shape.) As shown, working fluid 210 then exits holes 230c, where the exiting working fluid then contacts a foodstuff exposed to holes 230c. A slit can be formed such that working fluid exits the dispenser perpendicular to the dispenser, but this is not a requirement, as a slot can be configured such that working fluid exits the dispenser at a non-perpendicular angle.

[0060] As shown, each of Designs 1-3 provide a manifold useful in dispensing and distributing working fluid. It should be understood, however, that Designs 1-3 are not the dispense designs that can be used with the disclosed technology, as the disclosed technology can also be used with spray heads and other dispenser designs.

[0061] Embodiments

[0062] Embodiment 1. A system, comprising: a first dispenser, the first dispenser being configured to dispense therefrom a working fluid against a foodstuff located at a first height measured in the y-direction and at a first location measured along an axis in the x- direction, and the outlet optionally being configured to dispense the working fluid in a stream having an oblong cross-section; a second dispenser, the second dispenser being configured to dispense therefrom a working fluid against a foodstuff located at a second height measured in the y-direction and at a second location measured in the x-direction, the second height being greater than the first height, and the second location being at a different location along the axis in the x-direction, the second dispenser optionally being configured to dispense the working fluid in a stream having an oblong cross-section, at least one of the first dispenser and the second dispenser comprises a tank having an outlet and being configured such that working fluid received by the tank fills the tank beneath the outlet and exits the outlet, a foodstuff conveyor train, the foodstuff conveyor train being configured to convey the foodstuff along the x-direction such that the foodstuff (1) passes through the first height and receives working fluid dispensed by the first dispenser, and (2) passes through the second height and receives working fluid dispensed by the second dispenser.

[0063] Embodiment 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a third dispenser, the third dispenser being configured to dispense therefrom a working fluid against a foodstuff located at the first height.

[0064] Embodiment 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the third dispenser is located across from the first dispenser such that a foodstuff located at the first height receives working fluid from the first and third dispensers.

[0065] Embodiment 4. The system of any one of claims 1-3, further comprising a fourth dispenser, the fourth dispenser being configured to dispense therefrom a working fluid against a foodstuff located at the second height.

[0066] Embodiment s. The system of claim 4, wherein the fourth dispenser is located across from the second dispenser such that a foodstuff located at the first height receives working fluid from the second and fourth dispensers.

[0067] Embodiment 6. The system of any one of claims 1-5, wherein at least one of the first dispenser and the second dispenser comprises a tank having an inlet disposed beneath the outlet such that working fluid received by the tank from the inlet fills the tank beneath the outlet and exits the outlet.

[0068] Embodiment 7. The system of any one of claims 1-6, wherein the foodstuff conveyor train comprises a shackle line.

[0069] Embodiment 8. The system of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the foodstuff conveyor train is further configured to convey the foodstuff for a distance along the x- direction such that the foodstuff is conveyed at a constant height.

[0070] Embodiment 9. The system of any one of claims 1-8, wherein the working fluid is dispensed as a cascade from at least one of the first dispenser and the second dispenser.

[0071] Embodiment 10. The system of any one of claims 1-9, wherein the first dispenser is configured to dispense a different working fluid than that dispensed by the second dispenser.

[0072] Embodiment 11. A system, comprising: one or more first dispensers, a first dispenser being configured to dispense therefrom a working fluid against a foodstuff located at a first location xl, yl in the x-y plane, wherein the y-direction is measured vertically, a first dispenser optionally being configured to dispense the working fluid in a stream having an oblong cross-section; one or more second dispensers, a second dispenser being configured to dispense therefrom a working fluid against a foodstuff located at a second location x2, y2 in the x-y plane, wherein x2 and y2 differ from yl and xl, a second dispenser optionally being configured to dispense the working fluid in a stream having an oblong cross-section, at least one first dispenser and/or at least one second dispenser comprising a tank and having an outlet and being configured such that working fluid received by the tank fills the tank beneath the outlet and exits the outlet, a foodstuff conveyor train, the foodstuff conveyor train being configured to convey the foodstuff such that the foodstuff (1) passes through the first location and receives working fluid dispensed by at least one lower dispenser, and (2) passes through the second location and receives working fluid dispensed by the second dispenser.

[0073] Embodiment 12. The system of claim 11 , wherein y2 is greater than y 1.

[0074] Embodiment 13. The system of claim 11, wherein y2 is less than yl.

[0075] Embodiment 14. The system of any one of claims 11-13, further comprising at least one third dispenser, a third dispenser being configured to dispense therefrom a working fluid against a foodstuff located at a third location x3, y3 in the x-y plane, wherein x3 differs from at least one of xl and x2, and wherein y3 differs from at least one of yl and y2, the a third dispenser optionally being configured to dispense working fluid in a stream having an oblong cross-section, and wherein the foodstuff conveyor train is configured to convey the foodstuff such that the foodstuff passes through the third location and receives working fluid dispensed by at least one third dispenser.

[0076] Embodiment 15. The system of claim 13, wherein y3 is greater than yl and also greater than y2.

[0077] Embodiment 16. The system of any one of claims 11-15, wherein the first dispenser is configured to dispense a different working fluid than that dispensed by the second dispenser.

[0078] Embodiment 17. A method, comprising: conveying a foodstuff through a first location xl, yl in the x-y plane, wherein the y-direction is measured vertically; dispensing from a first dispenser a working fluid such that the foodstuff receives the working fluid when located at the first location; conveying the foodstuff through a second location x2, y2 in the x-y plane, wherein the y-direction is measured vertically and wherein x2 and y2 differ from xl and yl; and dispensing from a second dispenser a working fluid such that the foodstuff receives the working fluid when located at the second location.

[0079] Embodiment 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the working fluid comprises an antimicrobial component.

[0080] Embodiment 19. The method of any one of claims 17-18, wherein the working fluid is dispensed as a cascade from at least one of the first dispenser and the second dispenser.

[0081] Embodiment 20. The system of any one of claims 17-19, wherein the first dispenser dispenses a different working fluid than that dispensed by the second dispenser.

Claims

What is Claimed:

1. A system, comprising: a first dispenser, the first dispenser being configured to dispense therefrom a working fluid against a foodstuff located at a first height measured in the y-direction and at a first location measured along an axis in the x-direction, and the outlet optionally being configured to dispense the working fluid in a stream having an oblong cross-section; a second dispenser, the second dispenser being configured to dispense therefrom a working fluid against a foodstuff located at a second height measured in the y-direction and at a second location measured in the x-direction, the second height being greater than the first height, and the second location being at a different location along the axis in the x-direction the second dispenser optionally being configured to dispense the working fluid in a stream having an oblong cross-section, at least one of the first dispenser and the second dispenser comprises a tank having an outlet and being configured such that working fluid received by the tank fills the tank beneath the outlet and exits the outlet, a foodstuff conveyor train, the foodstuff conveyor train being configured to convey the foodstuff along the x-direction such that the foodstuff (1) passes through the first height and receives working fluid dispensed by the first dispenser, and (2) passes through the second height and receives working fluid dispensed by the second dispenser.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a third dispenser, the third dispenser being configured to dispense therefrom a working fluid against a foodstuff located at the first height.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the third dispenser is located across from the first dispenser such that a foodstuff located at the first height receives working fluid from the first and third dispensers.

4. The system of any one of claims 1-3, further comprising a fourth dispenser, the fourth dispenser being configured to dispense therefrom a working fluid against a foodstuff located at the second height.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the fourth dispenser is located across from the second dispenser such that a foodstuff located at the first height receives working fluid from the second and fourth dispensers.

6. The system of any one of claims 1-3, wherein at least one of the first dispenser and the second dispenser comprises a tank having an inlet disposed beneath the outlet such that working fluid received by the tank from the inlet fills the tank beneath the outlet and exits the outlet.

7. The system of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the foodstuff conveyor train comprises a shackle line.

8. The system of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the foodstuff conveyor train is further configured to convey the foodstuff for a distance along the x-direction such that the foodstuff is conveyed at a constant height.

9. The system of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the working fluid is dispensed as a cascade from at least one of the first dispenser and the second dispenser.

10. The system of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the first dispenser is configured to dispense a different working fluid than that dispensed by the second dispenser.

11. A system, comprising: one or more first dispensers, a first dispenser being configured to dispense therefrom a working fluid against a foodstuff located at a first location xl, y 1 in the x-y plane, wherein the y- direction is measured vertically, a first dispenser optionally being configured to dispense the working fluid in a stream having an oblong cross-section; one or more second dispensers, a second dispenser being configured to dispense therefrom a working fluid against a foodstuff located at a second location x2, y2 in the x-y plane, wherein x2 and y 2 differ from y 1 and x 1 , a second dispenser optionally being configured to dispense the working fluid in a stream having an oblong cross-section, at least one first dispenser and/or at least one second dispenser comprising a tank and having an outlet and being configured such that working fluid received by the tank fills the tank beneath the outlet and exits the outlet, a foodstuff conveyor train, the foodstuff conveyor train being configured to convey the foodstuff such that the foodstuff (1) passes through the first location and receives working fluid dispensed by at least one lower dispenser, and (2) passes through the second location and receives working fluid dispensed by the second dispenser.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein y2 is greater than y 1.

13. The system of claim 11, wherein y2 is less than yl.

14. The system of any one of claims 11-13, further comprising at least one third dispenser, a third dispenser being configured to dispense therefrom a working fluid against a foodstuff located at a third location x3, y3 in the x-y plane, wherein x3 differs from at least one of xl and x2, and wherein y3 differs from at least one of yl andy2, a third dispenser optionally being configured to dispense working fluid in a stream having an oblong cross-section, and wherein the foodstuff conveyor train is configured to convey the foodstuff such that the foodstuff passes through the third location and receives working fluid dispensed by at least one third dispenser.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein y3 is greater than y 1 and also greater than y2.

16. The system of any one of claims 11-13, wherein the first dispenser is configured to dispense a different working fluid than that dispensed by the second dispenser.

17. A method, comprising: conveying a foodstuff through a first location xl, y 1 in the x-y plane, wherein the y- direction is measured vertically; dispensing from a first dispenser a working fluid such that the foodstuff receives the working fluid when located at the first location; conveying the foodstuff through a second location x2, y2 in the x-y plane, wherein the y-direction is measured vertically and wherein x2 and y2 differ from xl and yl; and dispensing from a second dispenser a working fluid such that the foodstuff receives the working fluid when located at the second location.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the working fluid comprises an antimicrobial component.

19. The method of any one of claims 17-18, wherein the working fluid is dispensed as a cascade from at least one of the first dispenser and the second dispenser.

20. The system of any one of claims 17-18, wherein the first dispenser dispenses a different working fluid than that dispensed by the second dispenser.