Dave,
The prior art in that field is vast. The work that was documented to support that and previous patent applications dates back years before your thread (it was while I was at Sikorsky, and I left months before your thread, for example.)
Not being a patent expert, I can't comment on how claims are worded or handled. Like the Michael Keaton character in "NIght Shift" I'm the idea man....
"What if you mix the mayonnaise in the can, WITH the tunafish? Or... hold it! Chuck! I got it! Take LIVE tuna fish, and FEED 'em mayonnaise! Oh this is great. [speaks into tape recorder] Call Starkist!"