Abstract: The chub packaging machine, or the like, in which the package cutting device or severing mechanism is spaced from the clip applying closure head and operable in coordination therewith. The cutting device or severing mechanism is separately mounted or carried on a positioning device which is operatively interconnected with the drive mechanism of the machine so as to operate in coordination with the clip applying closure head.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for formulating meat blends to a desired fat percentage by continuously measuring in a non-destructive manner the percentage of fat in meat streams while they are flowing, and thereafter blending the streams into the desired formulation. Although the meat streams are of non-uniform consistency and density, accurate blending is accomplished by including a sensor that automatically and continuously monitors the meat streams to enable corrections for such non-uniformity. Percentage fat measurements are made by passing a beam of polychromatic X-rays through the streams and measuring both the incident and attenuated beams.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for determining in a non-destructive manner the quantities of components in a material having irregular surfaces and which may be of a non-uniform size and of a variable consistency. Three or more beams of polychromatic X-rays, each at a different level of energy, are passed through the material, and the measurements of each incident beam and each transmitted beam are utilized in determining the percentage of one or more of the components after having substantially eliminated so-called beam-hardening effects which otherwise limit the utility of polychromatic beams.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing and recovering meat from trimmed and untrimmed bone fragments comprises a hollow sleeve open at one end for receiving a quantity of bone fragments to be processed. Hydraulic cylinders raise the sleeve to bring one end into engagement with an extrusion block, and a piston slidably disposed at the other end of the sleeve is advanced initially by relatively high speed jack cylinders and finally by a low speed ram cylinder to compress the bone fragements against the block. The extrusion block includes a plurality of concentric annular recesses and interfitting extrusion rings which form an inwardly facing foraminous surface through which meat recovered in fluid form as a result of the compression process passes. The rings are slidably received within the recesses to facilitate removal for cleaning, and are partially extended from the recesses by a pneumatic cylinder after each compression cycle to dislodge bone residue from the foraminous surface.

Abstract: Undercap filler machine and method for cyclically vacuumizing product-containing, conventional spray can type aerosol containers, charging metered quantities of compressed gas propellant thereinto, and crimping valve cap assemblies thereon. By means of sequencing spring action on the crimper head, the machine and method provide (1) accurate control of the cap lift against relatively low sequencing spring force during charging with compressed propellant gas and (2) firm cap seating under relatively high sequencing spring force on the bead of the container opening against the internal pressure therein during crimping. The controlled cap lift during charging introduces a temporary throttling restriction in the form of a predetermined narrow annular orifice between the fill chamber of the crimper head and the interior of each container which orifice produces a controlled drop in the impact gassing pressure and increased velocity of gas flow into the container.

Abstract: The overlapping edges of a continuously formed tubular configuration of plastic web are fused together between a backup ring and a sealing roller continuously heated by hot air directed against the periphery of the roller. When the heated roller is pressed in sealing engagement against the overlapped edges of the moving film it is rotated due to the frictional engagement of the roller with the film. A portion of the hot air impinges on blades extending laterally from opposite sides of the roller to apply torque thereto and thereby keep the roller spinning whenever the roller is out of frictional engagement with the overlapped edges of the continuously advancing web. By keeping the roller spinning it is evenly heated and hot spots are not allowed to develop as they would if the roller stopped while hot air continued to impinge on it. Cooling air is applied to the sealed overlapping edges after the sealing operation has been performed.

Abstract: A stuffing pump for handling a food product having a helical gear metering pump with means for removing air from the material moving through the metering pump and a feed conveyor in a hopper continuously feeding material to the metering pump. The feed conveyer includes a pair of counter-rotating augers in the bottom of the hopper. Independent and infinitely variable drive mechanisms are provided for the metering pump and the feed conveyer.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing and recovering meat from trimmed and untrimmed bone fragments comprises a hollow sleeve open at one end for receiving a quantity of bone fragments to be processed. Hydraulic cylinders raise the sleeve to bring one end into engagement with an extrusion block, and a piston slidably disposed at the other end of the sleeve is advanced initially by relatively high speed jack cylinders and finally by a low speed ram cylinder to compress the bone fragments against the block. The extrusion block includes a plurality of concentric annular recesses and interfitting extrusion rings which form an inwardly facing foraminous surface through which meat recovered in fluid form as a result of the compression process passes. The rings are slidably received within the recesses to facilitate removal for cleaning, and are partially extended from the recesses by a pneumatic cylinder after each compression cycle to dislodge bone residue from the foraminous surface.

Abstract: A dual compartment package for containing reactive substances in separate compartments which is suitable for being produced continuously from a single web of film material, and a method for making same. The web of film is formed into a tubular member having a first compartment which assures a generally circular cross section when filled, and a second compartment formed inside the first compartment. The second compartment is attached to the sidewall of the first compartment such that a single sealing formation through three plies of the film material closes both compartments longitudinally. The method provides for a simplified formation of a series of said packages wherein only a single seal forming apparatus is utilized.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously producing a series of multi-compartment packages formed from a single web of pliable film material. The machine folds the web along one of its side edges to form a pocket or two-ply margin. The web is then passed through a tube former which bends the web across its width until a continuous tube is formed with the two-ply margin to the inside and overlapped by the opposing side edge of the web. The apparatus then seals the tube with a single composite seal across the overlapped portion of the tube, which is of three-ply thickness. Next, the apparatus positions differing substances in each compartment. Then, the apparatus sequentially gathers the filled tubular member at two positions along its length, seals the gathered portions by clinching pairs of closure clips therearound, and severs the film material between the clips in each pair thereof to form the package.