Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the stuffed casing diameter includes shoes which ride against the stuffed casing to monitor its diameter. These shoes drive a digital encoder which issues pulses representing deviations of the stuffed diameter from a predetermined nominal value. A microcomputer process these pulses and issues an appropriate control signal to a stepping motor for increasing and decreasing drag on the casing as may be needed to correct the stuffed diameter of the casing. The microcomputer can include a delay so that each stuffed product is the reference for establishing the drag characteristics of the next product to be stuffed.

Abstract: A system is provided for injecting slaughtered animal carcasses with tenderizing solution. The carcasses to be injected are weighed and are conveyed to a plurality of sequential injection stations. A number of injection headers are energized for calculated energization time periods. Each carcass is injected by each injection header with solution that flows automatically for a calculated time period that is directly proportional to the carcass weight. A microprocessor is utilized to provide a separate data storage location for each injection station. Data is provided to each storage location in proper sequence as the side to be injected is conveyed to sequential injection stations. A separate timing means is provided for each injection station, and data from the storage location is transferred to the timing means in sequence as the carcass to be injected is conveyed to sequential injection stations.