Gerald W Urschel

Title: Innovations by Gerald W. Urschel in Meat Processing Technology

Introduction

Gerald W. Urschel, an inventive mind based in Valparaiso, Indiana, has made significant contributions to the field of meat processing technology. With a total of two patents to his name, Urschel's work focuses on enhancing the efficiency and precision of cutting meat products.

Latest Patents

Urschel's latest patents include two noteworthy inventions: the Dicing Machine and the Rotary Slicing Machine.

The **Dicing Machine** is designed to cut slabs of fresh or frozen tempered meat into diced sections. This machine features an intricate conveyor assembly, which consists of a feed belt and a spring-biased feed roll. Additionally, it includes a strip cutting assembly with a first knife roll of circular knives and an associated feed drum. Moreover, the crosscut assembly comprises a second knife roll of elongate knives, incorporating a stripper plate that has corresponding shear edges. A unique configuration allows edge portions of the circular knives to intermesh within slots formed in the stripper plate and grooves in the feed roll and drum. This design enables the feed drum to control the movement of fresh meat slabs effectively, enhancing cutting precision.

The **Rotary Slicing Machine**, on the other hand, features a cylindrical-shaped cutter assembly that rotates about a horizontal axis. This machine includes a knife element and an elongate feed chute where individual products are supported in a linear array. The products are fed under gravity into the path of the rotating knife element, streamlining the slicing process. The chute also possesses an elongate slot, allowing for manual adjustments of the products as needed.

Career Highlights

Gerald W. Urschel is currently associated with Urschel Laboratories Incorporated, a company recognized for its innovations in food processing equipment. His inventions not only improve the operational efficiency of food processing but also ensure consistency and reliability in the production of meat products.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Urschel has collaborated with notable colleagues such as Joe R. Urschel and Robert R. Fischer. Their combined expertise enhances the innovation landscape within the company, fostering advancements in machinery and technology related to food processing.

Conclusion

Gerald W. Urschel's inventive contributions to meat processing technology, embodied in his patents for the Dicing Machine and Rotary Slicing Machine, mark him as a significant figure in his field. His work exemplifies how innovation can drive efficiency and precision in food processing, benefitting both manufacturers and consumers alike.