Abstract: The inventive label sensing device includes a label detector within a housing. The label detector includes a bearing assembly serving as a piston, the bearing assembly having a roller bearing for riding over label material. The roller bearing moves the bearing assembly vertically as the roller bearing rides over the label material based on the height differential of the label and the label substrate. The bearing assembly is in contact with the first end of a lever arm at a pivot point located on the bearing assembly. As the bearing assembly moves up and down, the first end of the lever arm moves responsive to movement of the pivot, generating an amplified signal in the second end of the lever arm, proportional to movement of the roller bearing. Provided at a location adjacent to the second end of the lever arm is a proximity sensor for detecting the movement of the second end of the lever arm within a soft switching region.

Abstract: A deflector device is provided for a liquid-jet cutter wherein the cutting element is mounted upon an assembly which moves the cutting element between cutting and idle positions. A deflector disk is located on the lower end of this support assembly as maintained in a stationary position immediately below the idle position. During operation, the cutting element is moved to a cutting position immediately adjacent the product support surface which provides products to be cut to the cutter. When it is desirable to halt cutting, the cutting element is moved to a position remote from the product support surface and above the deflector disk. The assembly utilized to control movement of the cutting element positions the cutter at a remote distance from the deflector disk when in an idle state to minimize wear upon the components.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simultaneously placing two spaced rows of labels upon packaging film is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first labeling station at a first roller, a second labeling station at a second roller, belts for transporting two rows of labels across the film for placement at the first and second labeling stations, and a third roller movably positioned with respect to the first and second rollers. The film travels over the first roller, downwardly around the third roller, and then back up over the second roller. The adjacent rows of labels on a single backing are delivered by the belts to the film, where the labels are placed in rows spaced a distance apart greater than their spacing on the backing. Changing the position of the third roller allows a user to vary the spacing between the two rows of labels which are placed on the film at the first and second labeling stations during each film stop.

Abstract: A combined cutting blade and heat bar for use with a vacuum packaging device having a lid for sealing over the cavity of a base is disclosed. The cutting blade and heat bar are connected to one another and movable via a single actuating mechanism mounted to the lid. In use, in one step the combined mechanism is lowered with the heat bar unheated and the cutting element cuts slits in the bag for evacuation of the air. After air evacuation, the combined mechanism is lowered with the heat bar heated, melting the bag closed behind the slitted area of the bag.

Abstract: An improved hinge assembly for a vacuum packaging machine is designed to pivotally connect a stainless steel tub in the machine to a sealing lid. The lid is equipped with a pair of the hinge assemblies, with each hinge assembly including a stationary hinge plate which is positioned beneath a rear, overhanging lip of the tub. A pair of pins are spaced apart and extend outward from each hinge plate and into and through an arcuate slot in a movable hinge block which is, in turn, connected to the lid. The hinge block is designed to move relative to the hinge plate along a path dictated by the arcuate slot and the pins, with the pins acting as respective stops for the movement. A gas spring is pivotally connected between the rear surface of the machine and each hinge block, with the hinge blocks including different mounting points to vary the effectiveness of the springs.

Abstract: A method and system for dressing cattle in which, after kill, the carcass is suspended in a generally horizontal position by at least one foreleg and one hind leg, with the legs uppermost, and transported while so suspended along a dressing line. In such position, the hide is partially cut longitudinally in the chin, neck and upper brisket area to form a longitudinal cut line. Thereafter, portions of the hide around the foreleg are grasped and pulled downwardly away from the skin to separate the hide from the skin on the forelegs, brisket and chin and form a gap between the underside of the hide and skin on the back of the neck. The carcass is then repositioned with the head up and tail down by suspension from at least one foreleg, the hide cut to form a cut line in the belly region from the brisket to the tail, and the edges of the hide along the cut line gripped and pulled back to separate the hide from the carcass.

Abstract: The stuffing machine has a casing brake ring which cooperates with the tip of the filling tube to exert a drag on the gathered casing drawn off the filling tube during filling of the casing. The brake ring is carried by a movable support which is mounted to the machine by a mechanism which includes a control linkage. The linkage includes a variable length link rod connecting the brake ring support with the machine. The length of the link which determines the operating position of the brake ring relative to the filling tube is controlled by a hand operated rotary adjusting device interposed in the link. The link is also connected with a crank arm which cooperates with the link through an overcenter arrangement to lock the brake ring support in the operating position for the brake ring. The crank arm and link can also be used to displace the brake ring support to a position remote from the filling tube to permit access to the tube for loading of fresh casing.