Abstract: An apparatus for attaching shaped metal clips at intervals to viscous-product-filled casing includes a support frame, a clipper assembly, a clipper assembly mounting rail, and a clipper assembly reciprocation mechanism. The clipper assembly is reciprocally mounted for reciprocal movement back and forth between a first casing entry station and a second casing exit station. A continuous tube of filled casing enters the apparatus at the first station and exits at the second station. The clipping assembly includes a filled casing support passage. Filled casing is directed through this passage as the casing extends between the first and second stations. The clipper assembly further includes first and second casing gathering plates which are projectible into the passage to gather the filled casing to form a neck section therein. The neck section is for attachment of at least one clip about the casing.

Abstract: Apparatus for packaging includes a pivoting transport arm for removing a product from a moving conveyor and placing the product at a first work station. A pusher mechanism pushes the product delivered to the first station between spaced plates into a plastic bag and then through gates of a closure device to the second station. The closure device seals the bag with the product therein and the bagged product is subsequently discharged from the second station.

Abstract: An apparatus for packing fowl which includes first and second work stations. The first work station is provided to receive the product to be packaged. A pusher mechanism pushes the product from the first station between spaced plates into a plastic bag and then through the gates of a clipper mechanism. Advancement is slightly retarded by means of a blocking mechanism to thereby insure that the product is tightly retained within the flexible plastic bag. The bag and product are thereby moved to the second station at which time a holding bar preliminary closes the bag. Thence, gates close and gather the neck of the bag and a metal clip is advanced by means of a punch in a clip channel defined by the closed gates. The clip is thereby fastened about the neck of the closed plastic bag and the excess tail of the bag is cut by means of a knife. Trap doors then release the packaged product onto a conveyor belt, a new bag is positioned on the spaced, guide plates, and the apparatus is ready to recycle.