Abstract: The product encasing machine includes a rotatable stuffing tube having a folded casing mounted thereon. The product is pumped or moved through the interior of the stuffing tube into the casing. A restrictor apparatus is secured to the stuffing tube and is positioned within the casing being filled downstream of the discharge end of the stuffing tube to spread and increase the pressure in the stuffed casing. The rotating restrictor applies torque to the sausage from the inside of the casing to impart torque thereto and causes a rotational drive to the product so that a link is formed by the twisting of the casing.

Abstract: A machine for injecting fluids into meat products or the like comprising a table having a conveyor mounted thereon adapted to convey the meat product from one end to the other. A pair of reciprocating arms are pivotally connected at one end thereof to opposite sides of the table. An electric motor is operatively connected to the reciprocating arms to move the reciprocating arms upwardly and downwardly with respect to the conveyor. A fluid manifold apparatus comprised of a plurality of fluid manifolds is rigidly secured to the other ends of the reciprocating arms and extends therebetween across the table transversely to the direction of travel of the meat product. Each of the manifolds has a plurality of injector needles extending downwardly therefrom which are adapted to pierce the product and inject fluid thereinto while the needles are embedded within the product.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprising an engine frame having a drive shaft rotatably mounted therein and extending outwardly therefrom. A pair of cylinder sleeves are mounted on the engine frame and have their inner ends positioned within the interior of the frame and their outer ends positioned outwardly thereof. A cylinder head is secured to the outer end of each of the sleeves and is separated thereby by means of a heat insulative gasket. Each of the cylinder heads has a dome-shaped chamber formed therein which is in communication with a source of combustible fuel. An air inlet conduit is mounted on one end of the engine frame and is in communication with a source of air under pressure such as a blower, supercharger or the like. The air inlet conduit is in communication with an air passageway formed in the engine frame which is in communication with air inlet openings formed in the cylinder sleeves.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprising an engine frame having a drive shaft rotatably mounted therein and extending outwardly therefrom. A pair of cylinder sleeves are mounted on the engine frame and have their inner ends positioned within the interior of the frame and their outer ends positioned outwardly thereof. A cylinder head is secured to the outer end of each of the sleeves and is separated thereby by means of a heat insulative gasket. Each of the cylinder heads has a dome-shaped chamber formed therein which is in communication with a source of combustible fuel. An air inlet conduit is mounted on one end of the engine frame and is in communication with a source of air under pressure such as a blower, supercharger or the like. The air inlet conduit is in communication with an air passageway formed in the engine frame which is in communication with air inlet openings formed in the cylinder sleeves.

Abstract: A rotary internal combustion engine comprising an engine frame having a rotor rotatably mounted therein which has a plurality of radially spaced cylinders mounted thereon. The free floating piston is slidably mounted in each of the cylinders with the head of the piston being positioned towards the center of the rotor with a roller mounted in the skirt end thereof which rides against a circular cam. A drive shaft is secured to the rotor and it rotatably extends outwardly from one side of the engine frame. A core means extends into the engine frame opposite of the drive shaft and has air and fuel passageways formed therein which are in communication with a source of air and fuel respectively. The inner end of the core means communicates with a rotary valve which is in communication with air and fuel passageways formed in the rotor which are in communication with the cylinders. Each of the cylinders is provided with a plurality of radially spaced openings formed therein.

Abstract: A rotary internal combustion engine comprising an engine frame having a rotor rotatably mounted therein which has a plurality of radially spaced cylinders mounted thereon. The free floating piston is slidably mounted in each of the cylinders with the head of the piston being positioned towards the center of the rotor with a roller mounted in the skirt end thereof which rides against a circular cam. A drive shaft is secured to the rotor and it rotatably extends outwardly from one side of the engine frame. A core means extends into the engine frame opposite of the drive shaft and has air and fuel passageways formed therein which are in communication with a source of air and fuel respectively. The inner end of the core means communicates with a rotary valve which is in communication with air and fuel passageways formed in the rotor which are in communication with the cylinders. Each of the cylinders is provided with a plurality of radially spaced openings formed therein.

Abstract: A method of controlling the timing of ignition in an internal combustion engine comprising cylinders and reciprocating pistons and having a supply of fuel and air to the cylinders by determining the conditions of temperature and/or pressure within at least one of the cylinders when the engine is operating under the desired conditions, said determination being made at a position of the piston when the conditions of temperature and/or pressure are less than maximum, and when the engine is loaded rather than idling. These measured conditions are then monitored to detect any variations in temperature and/or pressure, and the desired conditions of temperature and/or pressure are then restored to the cylinder whenever variations therein are detected by adjusting the amount of air supplied to the cylinder.

Abstract: An apparatus for encasing a product including a product encasing machine, linking apparatus, and a looping apparatus. The product encasing machine includes a rotatable stuffing tube having a fine head mounted on its forward end. The fin head imparts rotational drive and longitudinal drag to the casing as the casing passes thereover as the casing is being filled. The rearward end of the stuffing tube is mounted in a socket type apparatus to permit the stuffing tube to be pivotally moved upwardly and laterally to facilitate the installation of the folded casing thereon. A member is also provided for fluidly lubricating the interior surfaces of the stuffing tube to prevent product smear. The linking apparatus includes a pair of loop members carrying pinching members thereon. The pinching members are constructed of a moldable material and are detachably mounted on the loop members. The pinching members include pinching surfaces adapted to engage and collapse the rotating casing issuing from the encasing machine.

Abstract: A rotary internal combustion engine is disclosed and generally comprises a rotor means which is rotatably mounted on a stationary core mounted in an engine frame. The rotor means has a plurality of cylinders spaced radially thereon. A free floating piston is slidably mounted in each of the cylinders with the heads of the pistons being positioned towards the center of the rotor. A roller is mounted in the skirt end of the piston which rides against a circular cam. The centrifugal force created by the rotation of the rotor causes the pistons to follow the internal cam surface of the cam during rotation. The inner end of the core is provided with fuel and air ports adapted to communicate with the cylinders as the rotor rotates with respect to the core. An air passageway is formed in the core and is in communication with the air port and an air pump to provide a supply of air for purging, cooling and charging the cylinders.

Abstract: An apparatus for encasing a product including a product encasing machine, linking apparatus, and a looping apparatus. The product encasing machine includes a rotatable stuffing tube having a fin head mounted on its forward end. The fin head imparts rotational drive and longitudinal drag to the casing as the casing passes thereover as the casing is being filled. The rearward end of the stuffing tube is mounted in a socket type apparatus to permit the stuffing tube to be pivotally moved upwardly and laterally to facilitate the installation of the folded casing thereon. A modified device for supporting the discharge end of the stuffing tube is also disclosed comprising a split bearing member which embraces the rotating fin head and casing. The bearing member may be selectively opened to permit the stuffing tube to be pivotally raised to its loading position. The bearing member is spring loaded to permit different dragging forces to be selectively applied to the casing.

Abstract: An apparatus for looping and conveying an encased product comprising a support positioned adjacent one end of the encasing apparatus and having a guide pan pivotally movably mounted thereon adapted to move between first and second positions. The guide pan is adapted to slidably receive the casing issuing from the encasing apparatus. A conveyor comprising a plurality of spaced apart hooks is provided adjacent the guide pan and comprises carrying device for moving the hooks along a predetermined path. The conveyor is positioned so that the hooks will pass adjacent the lower end of the guide pan so that the hooks will catch and carry away the casing at spaced apart points along the length of the casing as the casing passes out of the lower end of the guide pan. A power mechanism is provided for pivotally moving the pan between its first and second positions to cause the hooks to catch the casing at the spaced points along the length of the casing.

Abstract: A stripper means for meat skinning machines is disclosed wherein the machine includes a driven toothed roll which is rotatably mounted on a frame means adjacent one end of a feed table. A pressure shoe means extends around a portion of the driven roll and has a skinning blade extending therefrom for severing the skin from the meat product as the product is moved thereby. The driven roll is provided with a plurality of spaced apart annular grooves formed in the peripheral surface thereof. A stripping shaft is mounted on the frame means below the driven roll and has a plurality of stainless steel stripping elements or blades mounted thereon in a spaced apart relationship. The stripping shaft is provided with a plurality of spaced apart grooves formed in one side thereof which receive one end of the stripping element. Each of the stripper elements has a hook-like upper end portion which is received in the grooves of the driven roll with the hook portion extending around the driven roll in excess of 180.degree.