Abstract: A method and a device for separating shirred casing sticks, where a row R1 with a first number of consecutively disposed shined casing sticks in a shined casing stick storage is pushed in a first stroke cycle by a pusher along a sloped plane in the direction of a separation edge and one after the other over the separation edge and, once the last shined casing stick of the row has been pushed over the separation edge, the pusher moves back along the sloped plane and takes a row R2 with a second number of consecutively disposed shined casing sticks and pushes them in a further stroke cycle in the direction towards the separation edge, characterized in that a control device determines the filling level of shined casing sticks in the shined casing stick storage from the number of shined casing sticks pushed over the separation edge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a clipping machine and a method for operating a clipping machine for producing sausage-shaped products, like sausages, by filling a flowable filling material into a tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing and closing said packaging casing by at least one closure clip.

Abstract: The present disclosure refers to a filling machine and to a method for filling a foodstuff which comprises at least two components to be mixed, particularly for sausage production. The foodstuff may be filled into a filling hopper of the filling machine and thoroughly mixed with a mixing cam. The mixing cam may be driven via its own drive at different speeds according to a specific speed profile while the foodstuff is conveyed out of the lower portion of the filling hopper via a conveying mechanism and is filled via a filling unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing a casing material for use in co-extruding food products comprising the steps of providing two or more casing material components; mixing the casing material components and feeding the resulting viscous gelling solution to the co-extrusion process to form an external layer on an extruded strand of food dough. Each of the casing material components in itself is not suitable for co-extrusion as an external layer and the composition of the viscous gelling solution is determined by changing the volumes of the casing material components used dependent on the required food product to be co-extruded and/or the composition of the viscous gelling solution is adjusted by changing the volumes of the casing material components dependent on the information on the properties of the food dough and/or the food product to be co-extruded.

Abstract: A food processing machine, such as a filling machine and/or twisting line for the manufacture of foods, particularly sausages, and a corresponding operating method, having at least one function module and at least one control section for controlling the corresponding function modules. Through at least one activation device, and after the input of an access authorization, at least one function module can be activated and/or one performance range from a plurality of possible performance ranges of at least one function module can be activated.

Abstract: A device for separating individual sausages (12), which are separated from one another by twist points (15), at a cutting point (5), wherein a sensor (6) for detecting the twist point (15) is connected upstream of the cutting point (5), wherein, upstream of the cutting point (5), there is positioned at least one further sensor (7) which runs parallel to the sensor (6) and which is located closer to the cutting point (5) than the sensor (6), wherein the sensors (6, 7) each generate an infrared light shell.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for aligning a filling machine and a respective filling machine. In the method, the height and/or the inclination of the filling machine is first measured according to an actual state. The measured values are transmitted to a calculation unit. The actual state of the height and/or the inclination is compared with a target state of the height and/or the inclination. The height and/or the inclination of the filling machine are then adjusted on the basis of the comparison.

Abstract: In a device for manufacturing co-extruded food products with a filling machine, including a pump for an inner mass coupled to a drive and a control unit at least for the drive, to which a coextrusion unit disposed at the outside is connected, and to which a pump being coupled to a drive at least for delivering the outer mass to the coextrusion unit is connected. The drive of the outer mass pump is integrated into the inner mass filling machine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a clipping machine and a method for producing sausage-shaped products, like sausages, by filing a flowable filling material into a tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing and closing said packaging casing by a closure means, like a closure clip. The clipping machine comprises a filling tube for feeding the filling material into the tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing stored on the filling tube and being closed at its first end, gathering means for gathering the filled tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing and for forming a plait-like portion thereto, the gathering means includes a first displacer unit and a second displacer unit, and a clipping device having a first and a second closing tool being reversibly movable between an opened position and a closed position, for applying at least one closure means to the plait-like portion and closing said closure means when the closing tools are in their closed position.

Abstract: A method and a device for controlling a filling machine with a clipping machine, the clipping machine and the filling machine exchanging process data via a communication interface, where functions of the clipping machine, in particular the movement profile of opposed clipper scissors, and functions of the filling machine, in particular the speed profile of a feed mechanism, are automatically adjusted with respect to each other by at least one control system.

Abstract: A method for filling sausages with a paste-like substance by means of a filling machine and to a filling machine for performing this method, including a sensor unit capable of determining at least one parameter that varies differently for different paste-like substances as a function of time. Depending on the at least one determined parameter, a controller determines whether a measure to be implemented on one or more wearing parts is necessary, the wearing parts wearing out at different times depending on the different paste-like substances.

Abstract: Computer program products automatically package an object, such as, for example, whole muscle meat pieces, in a covering material, such as, for example, netting using actuators for operating barrier doors, pushers, and locks.

Abstract: A method and a device for controlling a filling machine with a clipping machine, the clipping machine and the filling machine exchanging process data via a communication interface, where functions of the clipping machine, in particular the movement profile of opposed clipper scissors, and functions of the filling machine, in particular the speed profile of a feed mechanism, are automatically adjusted with respect to each other by at least one control system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a clip machine for a production line for the manufacturing of sausage-shaped products receives a flowable filling material in a tubular wrapper material. The clip machine includes at least two sealing tools, movable relative to one another between a opening position and a closing position for the placing and closing of clips on a sausage-shaped product, at least one clip storage device from which clips can be fed to a sealing tool, a storage device for storing a supply of wrapper material, a separation device for separating an individual sausage product from the supply of wrapper material, a filling pipe for the feeding of filling material, a delivery device for delivering sausage-shaped products from the clip machine along a transport path for the sausage-shaped products and a feeding device for flexible suspension elements from which suspension elements can be fed.

Abstract: A conveyor system for a filling machine and a method of conveying pasty mass with a corresponding conveyor system and a corresponding filling machine, including a housing with a vacuum opening and a vacuum pump as well as a suction line for generating a vacuum in the conveyor system. A valve mechanism and at least one pressure sensor for measuring the pressure in the suction line and/or in the conveyor system are provided. A controller controls the vacuum in the conveyor system or the suction line, respectively, wherein the cross-section of the suction line is adjusted in response to the measured pressure via the valve mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for producing and handling sausage-like product and a method for controlling for controlling said system with the steps of filling a tubular casing with viscous or granular stuff, dividing the filled tubular casing into sausage-like products and closing the sausage-like products by closure clips in a clipping machine, feeding the sausage-like product out of the clipping machine and storing the sausage-like product on a rod-like element in a hanging line and gripping the rod-like element by a robotic device and storing the rod-like element in a storage frame. The method further comprises the steps of sensing the weight of the sausage-like product after the sausage-like product is stored on a rod-like element, deriving a control signal for the clipping machine on the basis of the weight and controlling the clipping machine by a control unit on the basis of the control signal.

Abstract: A method for filling sausages with a paste-like substance by means of a filling machine and to a filling machine for performing this method, including a sensor unit capable of determining at least one parameter that varies differently for different paste-like substances as a function of time. Depending on the at least one determined parameter, a controller determines whether a measure to be implemented on one or more wearing parts is necessary, the wearing parts wearing out at different times depending on the different paste-like substances.

Abstract: A method for controlling a production line for manufacturing sausage-shaped products, a production line provided for this as well as a clip machine and a feeding machine for the manufacture of sausage-shaped products, with a flowable filling material such as sausage meat, a sealing material, granulate and the like being received in a tubular wrapper material and with the production line having at least: a clip machine, in which the wrapper material filled with filling material is divided into portions into individual sausage-shaped products by placing closing clips and is separated from the supply of the remaining wrapper material; with at least one flexible suspension element being applied to the sausage-shaped product during the placing of the closing clips, which is fed in a timed manner into the clip machine; and a feeding machine, which supplies the storage rods individually for further processing of the sausage-shaped products and which has conveyor elements, circulating continuously along a transport p

Abstract: The invention relates to a feeding machine for manufacturing sausage-shaped products including storage rods for suspending sausage-shaped products, a device for mounting one end of a storage rod, and a device for feeding the sausage-shaped products, the device for feeding comprising an endless conveyor with a strand running parallel to the storage rod and having conveyor elements spaced at intervals to receive the sausage-shaped products, at least one control element arranged along the strand of the endless conveyor, the conveyor elements being movable and having hooks comprised of two identical partial hooks and being pivotable around horizontal axes from their position holding the suspension elements into their position depositing the suspension elements, the at least one control element forming a moving trigger element along the strand against its forward direction, which triggers the movement of the hooks from their holding into their depositing position.

Abstract: A singulating disc, carried by a housing, has a plurality of openings around its periphery. The disc rotates vertically through a pickup chamber of a hopper carried by the housing. A vacuum is pulled through the openings by a pump which is connected to the disc. Items are placed in the hopper and, via gravity, fall to the bottom of the hopper where they contact the periphery of the rotating disc. The vacuum at the openings attaches an item and holds it while the disc rotates. At the top of the discs rotation, a diverter directs the item into a path depending on the results of a fragment detection and/or counting mechanism. Items that are allowed to pass by the diverter are scraped off the disc into another path by a scraper. Negative pressure is used to singulate and count a multitude of sizes and shapes of items with no calibration. Retractable paddles, a vacuum management system, and RFID tags may be incorporated.

Abstract: An improved processing assembly having a meat emulsion pump connected to a stuffing horn. The stuffing horn positioned to fill casings with meat emulsion which form a strand of processed meat that is received by a twister, then a linker, and subsequently deposited on a conveyor.

Abstract: A clipping machine and a method for producing sausage-shaped products formed by a tubular casing material containing a flowable filling material. The clipping machine includes a filling tube for feeding filling material into the tubular casing material stored on the filling tube and being closed at the front end by a closing clip. The clipping machine further includes a closing device including at least two closing tools, being reversably movable relative to one another between an opened position and a closed position for placing and closing at least one closing clip for forming a sausage-shaped product. In addition, a suction device is provided, having at least a suction opening being located in the region of the front end of the filling tube for sucking a fluid segregated from the filling material into the tubular casing material while being filled.

Abstract: A conveyor system for a filling machine and a method of conveying pasty mass with a corresponding conveyor system and a corresponding filling machine, including a housing with a vacuum opening and a vacuum pump as well as a suction line for generating a vacuum in the conveyor system. A valve means and at least one pressure sensor for measuring the pressure in the suction line and/or in the conveyor system are provided. A control means controls the vacuum in the conveyor system or the suction line, respectively, wherein the cross-section of the suction line is adjusted in response to the measured pressure via the valve means.

Abstract: A food processing machine, such as a filling machine and/or twisting line for the manufacture of foods, particularly sausages, and a corresponding operating method, having at least one function module and at least one control section for controlling the corresponding function modules. Through at least one activation device, and after the input of an access authorization, at least one function module can be activated and/or one performance range from a plurality of possible performance ranges of at least one function module can be activated.

Abstract: A clipping machine and a method for producing sausage-shaped products formed by a tubular casing material containing a flowable filling material. The clipping machine includes a filling tube for feeding filling material into the tubular casing material stored on the filling tube and being closed at the front end by a closing clip. The clipping machine further includes a closing device including at least two closing tools, being reversably movable relative to one another between an opened position and a closed position for placing and closing at least one closing clip for forming a sausage-shaped product. In addition, a suction device is provided, having at least a suction opening being located in the region of the front end of the filling tube for sucking a fluid segregated from the filling material into the tubular casing material while being filled.

Abstract: Computer program products for an apparatus with an automated derucker operatively associated with a netting chute whereby the derucker is configured to automatically travel through a derucker stroke cycle comprising upstream and downstream locations to pull segments of netting material toward a downstream end portion of the netting chute while product is pumped out of the horn.

Abstract: A packing wrapper filling device includes a filling machine (1) having at least one pivotable filling tube (11) on rotary plate (10). A gathered packing wrapper (14) is fitted onto the filling tube. The invention includes a closing mechanism (2) and store (3) for gathered packing wrappers. The closing mechanism (2) closes both sides of filled wrapper sections. Control device (22) interconnects filling machine (1), closing mechanism (2), store (3), and rocking arms (16). The lateral wall(s) of store (3) include a longitudinal flap (16) in the lower section, pivotable by rotary articulation (20) via rocking arms (15). The control device (22) controls individual envelope (14) removal from store (3). Transport devices (5, 6, 7, and 8) and deflection rollers (9) arranged along feed belt (4) transport envelope (14) along the feed belt (4) from store (3) to filling tube (11 or 12).

Abstract: Devices for gathering sausage casings (1) filled with filling material, include at least one gathering element (2a, 2b) which can be fed from an initial position to an end position in the direction of the casing axis, and a mechanical drive (4a, 4b) for this gathering element (2a, 2b), which is assigned a control unit (6) for the movement sequence of the gathering element (2a, 2b). The devices are characterized in that the control unit (6) is designed in such a way that, automatically, the gathering element (2a, 2b) can be stopped during the feed movement in a forward reversal position between initial and end position, moved back in the direction of the initial position, stopped again in a rear reversal position and set moving in the direction of the end position again.

Abstract: A method and a filling machine for the temperature control of a mass flow in a filling machine, wherein the mass flow passes through several sections. In order to also process temperature-sensitive types of filling material reliably with the minimum outlay, the temperature of the filling material is measured in several sections of the filling machine and the temperature of the filling material is controlled by a heating/cooling device to a certain temperature in dependence of the measured temperatures.

Abstract: A process for cutting sausages from a sausage link by a cutting device to which the sausages in the sausage link are conveyed together and a cutting site between two successive sausages is recognized by a sensor device, the sausage link being retracted with the front most sausage behind the sensor device after a predetermined number of sausages has been cut. This permits a specific indexing of the sausages in the sausage link after the sensor device and prevents bottlenecks between the cutting machine and the packaging machine.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is a packaging machine for sausage production, with a filling pipe (1) and a skin brake (2) with at least one active component, the skin brake (2) being releasable from its working position and having a metallic component (5). The packaging machine is distinguished in that an inductive sensor (6a) with a measuring field is provided which is oriented in such a manner that it detects the metallic component (5) of the skin brake (2) in its working position. This makes it possible in a simple manner to automatically ascertain whether the skin brake (2) is in its working position.

Abstract: A filling machine and a method of filling foodstuffs e.g. into sausage casings, with the filling machine having supplied thereto containers in which a foodstuff is stored, and a machine control unit. In order to guarantee a correct operation of the filling machine, a data reader receives container data stored in a storage means at the respective container, whereby the machine control unit is implemented such that the filling process is executed in dependence upon the container data read.

Abstract: Apparatus for engaging a filler/product pump that include: (a) a horn having a length, an outer surface and an internal product channel extending therethrough; (b) a forming collar in communication with the horn, wherein, in operation, the forming collar is configured to cooperate with the horn to direct planar casing material to take on a generally tubular shape over an outer surface of the horn while product travels through the internal channel; (c) a netting chute sized and configured to receive a portion of the horn therein, the netting chute configured to hold a sleeve of elastic netting material thereon; and (d) an automated derucker operatively associated with the netting chute whereby the derucker is configured to automatically travel through a derucker stroke cycle comprising upstream and downstream locations to pull segments of netting material toward a downstream end portion of the netting chute while product is pumped out of the horn.

Abstract: Methods for producing encased products using selectable first and second horns to thereby produce products in selectable different casing types include: (a) providing an apparatus having a first horn that, in operation, is configured to be in fluid communication with a filler pump located upstream thereof; (b) removing the first horn from the apparatus; and (c) mounting a second horn assembly comprising an intermediate pipe segment in fluid communication with a casing horn to the apparatus. The casing horn can pivot side-to-side. Related apparatus, systems, kits, assemblies and computer program products are configured to allow dual operational modes of producing encased products using first or second horns.

Abstract: A process for cutting sausages from a sausage link by a cutting device to which the sausages in the sausage link are conveyed together and a cutting site between two successive sausages is recognized by a sensor device, the sausage link being retracted with the front most sausage behind the sensor device after a predetermined number of sausages has been cut. This permits a specific indexing of the sausages in the sausage link after the sensor device and prevents bottlenecks between the cutting machine and the packaging machine.

Abstract: Devices for gathering sausage casings (1) filled with filling material, include at least one gathering element (2a, 2b) which can be fed from an initial position to an end position in the direction of the casing axis, and a mechanical drive (4a, 4b) for this gathering element (2a, 2b), which is assigned a control unit (6) for the movement sequence of the gathering element (2a, 2b). The devices are characterized in that the control unit (6) is designed in such a way that, automatically, the gathering element (2a, 2b) can be stopped during the feed movement in a forward reversal position between initial and end position, moved back in the direction of the initial position, stopped again in a rear reversal position and set moving in the direction of the end position again.

Abstract: A method and a filling machine for the temperature control of a mass flow in a filling machine, wherein the mass flow passes through several sections. In order to also process temperature-sensitive types of filling material reliably with the minimum outlay, the temperature of the filling material is measured in several sections of the filling machine and the temperature of the filling material is controlled by a heating/cooling device to a certain temperature in dependence of the measured temperatures.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is a suspension for a sausage filling pipe (3), with a filling pipe connection piece (4) and a filling machine connection piece (5), the filling pipe connection piece (4) being pivotable in relation to the filling machine connection piece (5) about a first pivot axis. The suspension is distinguished in that the filling pipe connection piece (4) is arranged on a frame (8) and is pivotable in relation to the latter about the first pivot axis, and the frame (8), for its part, is pivotable together with the filling pipe connection piece (4) in relation to the filling machine connection piece (5) about a second pivot axis into at least one cleaning position in which it holds the filling pipe connection piece (4) in a stable manner. This permits a simple and safe cleaning of the filling pipe connection piece (4).

Abstract: An arrangement for producing foodstuff products with pasty stuffing has a stuffing device having a stuffing tube. A casing to be stuffed through the stuffing tube draws additional casing material from a supply as it is being stuffed. A sensor device recognizes spaced-apart markings of the casing. When markings reach an activation position, the sensor device sends an activation signal. A closing device closes the end of the already stuffed casing and the beginning of the next casing to be stuffed. An immobilization brake has a stop position in which drawing of the casing is prevented. A first connection connects sensor device and immobilization brake. A second connection connects stuffing device and immobilization brake. The activation signal causes the immobilization brake to remain in the stop position until the stuffing device sends a termination signal to the immobilization brake that indicates completion of stuffing of a preset stuffing quantity.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is a device and a method for the automated monitoring of packaging machines for the production of sausages, the packaging machines having a filling machine (F), a filling pipe (1), a skin brake (2) and a sealing machine (V). The device according to the invention is characterized in that it has a camera (6, 6?, 6?) which supplies an electric image signal, an evaluation unit (7) for the image signal and a switching-off unit (8), which is activated by the evaluation unit, for the filling machine (F). The invention permits automated monitoring of malfunctions of packaging machines for the production of sausages.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and associated devices for supplying support members to a product loading station, loading, and automatically removing loaded members therefrom include: (a) advancing in spaced-apart relationship, a plurality of carrier members having opposing first and second ends and an associated width and length, along a selected travel path to a loading station; (b) presenting, in serial order, the carrier members to the loading station in a substantially horizontal orientation; (c) discharging elongated product from a winder arm that moves in a selected pattern about the carrier member at the loading station; and (d) straddling elongated product over each respective carrier member at the loading station responsive to the discharging step so that portions of the elongated product are serially draped over the carrier member along a length thereof, the straddling being carried out so that certain lengths of the elongated product hang from opposing sides of the carrier member.

Abstract: An apparatus for enclosing a product in a covering material includes a product feed and covering system, a clipper mechanism and a tensioning system. The product feed and covering system is configured to apply the covering material over the product. The clipper mechanism is disposed downstream of the product feed and covering system along a flow path of the covering material. The clipper mechanism is adapted to receive the covering material and to secure a clip to the covering material received therein. The tensioning system is adapted to introduce a tensioning load to the covering material after and while the covering material is received in the clipper mechanism.

Abstract: Incorporates buckets (3) open on their top in which the meat pieces are loaded, moving on traction device (4) that execute a step by step motion towards the feeding area located between the piston (1) and the body of the stuffing machine (2), where the meat piece is pushed by the piston (1) towards the body of the stuffing machine (2) for compacting and subsequently wrapping it. The buckets (3) have open front and rear faces to facilitate the run of the piston (1) and the exit of the meat piece towards the body of the stuffing machine (2). In addition, a device is provided for facilitating the centered position of the bucket with respect to the position of the piston (1) in the feeding area.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and associated devices for supplying support members to a product loading station, loading, and automatically removing loaded members therefrom include: (a) advancing in spaced-apart relationship, a plurality of carrier members having opposing first and second ends and an associated width and length, along a selected travel path to a loading station; (b) straddling elongated product over each respective carrier member at the loading station so that portions of the elongated product are serially draped over the corner member along a length thereof, the straddling being carried out so that certain lengths of the elongated product hang from opposing sides of the carrier member; and (c) advancing the carrier members loaded with the straddled product downstream of the loading station.

Abstract: An improved mechanism feeds loops or ties into clip attachment apparatus such as a clipper. The loops preferably have tie portions, the carrier may be a tape, and the loops should be in substantially equidistant series on the carrier. The carrier passes around rollers and a dancer, and along a stationary plate. Strip plates are preferably pivotally mounted adjacent the stationary plate. A loop and carrier drive indexes the loops on the carrier toward the clip attachment apparatus. A strip plate drive pivots the strip plates to and from positions in which the strip plates strip a loop adjacent the clip attachment apparatus at least partially from the carrier. The strip plate drive pivots the strip plates to catch the loop adjacent the clip attachment apparatus between the strip plates and pull the loop at least partially from the carrier.

Abstract: A method of stuffing natural casings with emulsion involves slidably mounting a collar element on the stuffing tube of the machine adjacent an end of the stuffing tube opposite to the discharge end thereof. The collar is slidably advanced towards the discharge end of the tube to telescope the casing into a shirred condition while leaving a non-shirred portion downstream thereof. The non-shirred portion of the casing is progressively advanced while the casing is filled with emulsion from the tube. A sensor is placed in the proximity of the non-shirred portion of the casing to detect whether shirred or non-shirred casing is present. The sensor is connected to a controller so that the collar will be advanced to slide the casing material on the tube when the non-shirred casing is detected, and the advance of the collar is stopped when shirred casing material is detected. A machine includes the foregoing components to accomplish the method.

Abstract: A method of stuffing natural casings with emulsion involves slidably mounting a collar element on the stuffing tube of the machine adjacent an end of the stuffing tube opposite to the discharge end thereof. The collar is slidably advanced towards the discharge end of the tube to telescope the casing into a shirred condition while leaving a non-shirred portion downstream thereof. The non-shirred portion of the casing is progressively advanced while the casing is filled with emulsion from the tube. A sensor is placed in the proximity of the non-shirred portion of the casing to detect whether shirred or non-shirred casing is present. The sensor is connected to a controller so that the collar will be advanced to slide the casing material on the tube when the non-shirred casing is detected, and the advance of the collar is stopped when shirred casing material is detected. A machine includes the foregoing components to accomplish the method.

Abstract: A method of removing the skin (7) from a sausage (1) comprises a plurality of steps. First, an end portion (2) of the sausage (1) is cut off, whereafter the skin (7) is grasped by gripping means (3) in diametrically opposed positions. Thereafter, an incision is made in the sausage (1) in its longitudinal direction by a knife (6), and the gripping means (3) and the sausage (1) are displaced in relation to one another in the longitudinal direction of the sausage (1) so that the skin (7) is pulled off in this direction. An abutment member (5) counteracts the tendency of the sausage (1) to move with the gripping means (3) when these are displaced. An apparatus for removing the skin (7) from a sausage includes a substrate for supporting the sausage, gripping means (3), a knife (6) and a displacement device (8). The gripping means (3) are disposed on either side of the sausage (1) and the knife (6) is disposed at the surface of the sausage (1) between them.

Abstract: A system for making encased sausages includes first and second sausage encasing machines. Parallel spaced encasing machines have a first space therebetween, and each being connected to a single meat emulsion supply pump located upstream therefrom. A first conduit extends from the pump, with second conduits extending from the first conduit to the respective encasing machines, whereby meat emulsion can be simultaneously pumped to the machines. First and second parallel conveyors in spaced condition create a second space therebetween and are located downstream from the first and second encasing machines respectively, with the second space being coextensive with the first space to permit a work station for an operator to remove encased sausages from both of the conveyors.

Abstract: A method of stuffing natural casings with emulsion involves slidably mounting a collar element on the stuffing tube of the machine adjacent an end of the stuffing tube opposite to the discharge end thereof. The collar is slidably advanced towards the discharge end of the tube to telescope the casing into a shirred condition while leaving a non-shirred portion downstream thereof. The non-shirred portion of the casing is progressively advanced while the casing is filled with emulsion from the tube. A sensor is placed in the proximity of the non-shirred portion of the casing to detect whether shirred or non-shirred casing is present. The sensor is connected to a controller so that the collar will be advanced to slide the casing material on the tube when the non-shirred casing is detected, and the advance of the collar is stopped when shirred casing material is detected. A machine includes the foregoing components to accomplish the method.