Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for producing portions from a strand (B), in particular for the production of sausages, comprising at least one pair of opposing clamps (1, 1?) that can be moved towards one another by actuating means, from an open position to a closed position in order to clamp the strand. Each clamp comprises clamping means (2, 2?, 3, 3?) that can he maneuvered by the aforementioned actuating means (70, 9; 70?, 9?) in order to clamp the strand onto a central strand segment, and subsequently to clamp the strand onto side strand segments on each side of the central segment.

Abstract: A casing extender apparatus (30) includes a first actuator assembly (50) to raise and lower a pair of spaced-apart spanners (52a and 52b) from a position above the bunched casing rope (24) to a position adjacent the rope. A second actuator assembly (54) lowers a drawing member (56) to a position beneath the slack casing rope and then draws the slack casing rope upwardly between the spanners to form a loop (60) of slack casing rope upwardly between the spanners (52a and 52b).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for producing a string of a pasty material, such as sausagemeat. The apparatus includes an extrusion head that includes at least one conveyor conduit for the pasty material to be shaped into a string. The conveyor conduit has an inlet, an outlet, and a receiving chamber for a casing material to be applied to the string. The receiving chamber has an entry for the casing material and an exit for applying the casing material to the string surface. The receiving chamber is also adapted to impart to the casing material, when flowing through the receiving chamber, a movement having at least a rotatory movement component about at least a longitudinal axis of the receiving chamber.

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 for producing sausage-shaped products, containing a flowable filling material, like a sealing compound, in a tubular casing material. The clipping machine comprises 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, a clipping device for placing and closing at least one closing clip on the back end of a tubular casing material just filled, and a control unit for controlling the clipping machine. The clipping machine further comprises a first sensor for measuring the pull-off length of the tubular casing material pulled off from the filling tube as well as a second sensor for measuring the movement of the filling material while being fed to the tubular casing material.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for producing a string from a pasty material comprising at least an extrusion head which has at least one conveyor conduit for the pasty material to be shaped into a string, wherein the conveyor conduit has an inlet and an outlet, and which has a receiving chamber for a casing material to be applied to the string, wherein the receiving chamber has an entry for the casing material and an exit for applying the casing material to the string surface. Arranged downstream of the extrusion head in the conveyor direction is a deflection device adapted to put the string covered with casing material into a predetermined curvature. The pasty material is pressed to form a string of predetermined length and then the string is covered at least with a pasty material, wherein the string covered with the casing material is deflected through a predetermined angle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a casing brake and filling tube combination for an apparatus for filling and closing said tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing for applying a frictional force to a tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing being arranged on said filling tube, for limiting the movement of said tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing at least while being filled. The filling tube includes a brake section with which the casing brake assembly comes reversibly into engagement for applying a frictional force to the tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing. The casing brake assembly includes three brake bodies, wherein at least two brake bodies are at least approximately radially reversibly movable towards the brake section of the filling tube between a release position in which the at least two brake bodies are at least partially moved away from the filling tube, and a brake position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a casing brake and filling tube combination for an apparatus for filling and closing said tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing for applying a frictional force to a tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing being arranged on said filling tube, for limiting the movement of said tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing at least while being filled. The filling tube includes a brake section with which the casing brake assembly comes reversibly into engagement for applying a frictional force to the tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing. The casing brake assembly includes three brake bodies, wherein at least two brake bodies are at least approximately radially reversibly movable towards the brake section of the filling tube between a release position in which the at least two brake bodies are at least partially moved away from the filling tube, and a brake position.

Abstract: A clipping machine for producing sausage-shaped products, containing a flowable filling material, like a sealing compound, in a tubular casing material. The clipping machine comprises 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, a clipping device for placing and closing at least one closing clip on the back end of a tubular casing material just filled, and a control unit for controlling the clipping machine. The clipping machine further comprises a first sensor for measuring the pull-off length of the tubular casing material pulled off from the filling tube as well as a second sensor for measuring the movement of the filling material while being fed to the tubular casing material.

Abstract: A displacer assembly for a clip machine, in particular a sausage clip machine, including at least a first pair of displacer shears and a second pair of displacer shears arranged parallel thereto. The displacer shears are arranged pivotably about a common axis and are reversibly movable towards each other for constriction of the filled packaging casing for forming a filling material-free plaited portion. In that respect the first pair of displacer shears comprises two displacer shears which are at least approximately identical in minor image relationship and the second pair of displacer shears has a second displacer shear which is at least approximately identical to the displacer shears of the first pair of displacer shears, as well as a first, shorter displacer shear.

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: 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 shaping device and a method of forming rounded tips on the ends of sausages and of tying off and/or parting into individual portions a continuously produced sausage skein filled with paste material, with two oppositely located displacement assemblies, which move towards one another and between which the filled sausage skein can be moved in the transport direction, wherein the displacement assemblies are formed such that two opening sections are formed, which widen out in the transport direction, respectively opposite the transport direction, in a tying off and/or parting position between the two displacement assemblies.

Abstract: A displacer assembly for a clip machine, in particular a sausage clip machine, including at least a first pair of displacer shears and a second pair of displacer shears arranged parallel thereto. The displacer shears are arranged pivotably about a common axis and are reversibly movable towards each other for constriction of the filled packaging casing for forming a filling material-free plaited portion. In that respect the first pair of displacer shears comprises two displacer shears which are at least approximately identical in minor image relationship and the second pair of displacer shears has a second displacer shear which is at least approximately identical to the displacer shears of the first pair of displacer shears, as well as a first, shorter displacer shear.

Abstract: Shirred casing is packaged in pockets on a belt to assist in the stuffing of the shirred casing by an automated stuffing machine. The package is made up of a belt with pockets for the shirred casings. The pockets provide structural integrity to the shirred casings and are spaced evenly for automated handling. The automated stuffing machine has a strand drum with indentations to receive the pocket of the package. The strand drum acts as an indexing mechanism to position each successive pocket so that the shirred casings within may be stuffed. A stuffing horn moves between a stuffing position and an indexing position that is clear of the strand drum. A method for automating the stuffing of shirred casings is disclosed as well.

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 casing brake for holding a casing at a free end of a stuffing pipe, via which the casing is stuffed with a pasty material, and to a method for adjusting the brake power of a casing brake. To adjust an exact brake power, the casing brake has a brake ring which is arranged around the stuffing pipe and can be prestressed axially and/or radially in such a way that it presses the casing onto the stuffing pipe, straining means for axially and/or radially straining the brake ring, as well as an adjusting device exerting a force on the straining means such that the axial and/or radial prestress of the brake ring is adjustable and maintained during the production.

Abstract: A method of stuffing natural casings with emulsion involves placing a follower against an upstream end of the natural casing to slide the natural casing forwardly along a hollow meat stuffing tube. The follower is mounted on the stuffing tube and advances the natural casing towards a discharge end of the stuffing tube, where sausage emulsion is injected into the natural casing. The follower pushes the filled casing through a hollow conical-shaped restricting device adjacent the discharge end which limits the outer diameter of the filled natural casing to ensure the uniform shape of the casing as it enters the twisting mechanism. The follower is connected to a longitudinally movable shaft that is parallel to the stuffing tube. A machine includes the foregoing components to accomplish this method.

Abstract: A method of advancing a sausage casing mounted on a stuffing tube into a twisting mechanism includes placing a hollow natural sausage casing on the outside surface of a stuffing tube and engaging the casing with a roller. The roller then forces the casing to slide toward the discharge end of the stuffing tube. The roller may be attached to an arm that has its height controlled by the rotation of a cam. By controlling the arm height the cam controls the feed pattern of the casing.

Abstract: A method of creating curved sausage links involves extruding an elongated sausage strand having linear protein fibers therein out of an elongated hollow meat emulsion extrusion tube. The flow of meat emulsion through the tube is partially restricted by a restrictor element within the tube which permits a portion of the meat emulsion to pass thereover in a substantially uninterrupted manner, but which requires a separate layer of meat emulsion to have its movement through the tube inhibited by engaging the restrictor element and having to move thereover to exit the tube. When the sausage strand is subjected to heat, the uninterrupted portion is inclined to have more lengthwise shrinkage in the presence of heat than the other layer, thus causing the sausage link to assume a curved configuration. The machine for practicing this method has a stuffing tube with the restrictor element therein as described heretofore.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for forming shaped food products from an emulsion or batter. A stuffing tube includes a wall defining a central passage for emulsion, and a treating fluid passage positioned within the wall and radially outside of the central passage. The stuffing tube is slideably mounted coaxially within a mold tube. Emulsion and treating fluid are deposited into the mold tube during retraction of the stuffing tube from the mold tube, where the depositions occur substantially without relative motion between the emulsion and the treating fluid, or between the emulsion/treating fluid and the inside of the mold tube. A production machine incorporating an array of stuffing tubes can be indexed with a plurality of arrays of mold tubes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for forming an emulsion or batter into shaped food products without the use of a casing. The apparatus includes a hollow stuffing tube connected to a source of suitable proteinaceous emulsion, and a molding tube mounted about the stuffing tube, the molding tube having an open end and a closed end. A supply of emulsion is conveyed under pressure into the stuffing tube to form a continuous length of shaped emulsion. Then, the shaped emulsion is directed into the molding tube, where the pressure of the emulsion bears against the closed end of the molding tube and causes the molding tube to move relative the stuffing tube. A treating fluid is directed to the interior surface of the molding tube, such that the interior surface is continuously wetted and evenly coated by the treating fluid, thereby forming a proteinaceous skin about the shaped emulsion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the manufacture of a strand of a pasty mass, in particular sausage meat, with an extrusion head 2, comprising means 27 for coextruding the pasty mass and a casing surrounding the pasty mass, a solidification means 3 for solidifying the casing, and a wring-off means 4. The invention is characterized in that a conveyor means 5 is arranged downstream of the wring-off means 4, the coextrusion means 27 and a strand guide 41 of the wring-off means 4 on the one hand and the conveyor means 5 on the other hand can be rotated relatively to one another.

Abstract: The invention refers to a device for the manufacture of sausages with a filling unit with a filling tube for filling sausage sleeves and a length unit for the controlled delivery of the filled sausage sleeves. In order to be able to simply and reliably close sausages of equal length and equal volume, in particular also with natural casings as the sausage sleeve, a clip module is arranged directly before the length unit in the transport direction of the filled sausage sleeves for closing the filled sausage sleeves.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a double clipping apparatus for closing filled casings with clips (4a, 4b), on which the clipping-distance (X) can be adjusted without an exchange of components. This increases the flexibility of the double clipping apparatus with respect to changing production situations, which leads to an ease of work and to cost reductions. A further advantage is, that, through a change of the clip-distance (X), an influence on the positioning of the labels (13), which are printed in fixed distances on the casing, on the ready products can be exerted, whereby under involvement of a sensor (12) with an analyzing and control electronics a double clipping apparatus with automatic label positioning variable adjuster can be realized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and method for forming a proteinaceous emulsion or batter into shaped food products such as sausages without the use of a casing. A supply of suitable proteinaceous emulsion is provided and such emulsion is conveyed under pressure into an elongated hollow stuffing tube to form a continuous length of shaped emulsion. Thereafter the shaped emulsion is directed into a molding tube which is slideably mounted about the stuffing tube. As the emulsion enters the molding tube, the pressure of the emulsion causes the molding tube to move away from the stuffing tube. A treating fluid, such as a diluted food grade acid, is directed to the interior surface of the molding tube at about the point where the emulsion first enters the molding tube. The treating fluid is directed to the interior of the molding tube in such a manner that the interior of the molding tube is continuously wetted by the treating fluid as the molding tube moves relative to the stuffing tube.

Abstract: A brake mechanism which permits adjustment of the outer reach or extent of an elastomeric ring about the periphery of the brake. The adjustment is effected by engaging and bending the elastomeric ring seal to a greater or lesser extent depending upon the axial relationship of the component parts forming the brake.

Abstract: What is described is an apparatus for stuffing casings or similar receptacles with paste, in particular with sausage meat or other foods in the form of paste, using a portioning means (16) that stuffs adjustable portions of the paste through a stuffing horn (14) into a casing (62) of a pre-defined caliber or caliber group, wherein said casing is pulled portion-wise during stuffing from a casing holder (casing brake 24). A guide tube (26) is disposed after and as an extension to the casing holder (24), the internal diameter of said guide tube 26 being approximately the same as the smaller outer diameter of the pre-defined casing caliber and/or the pre-defined casing caliber group, such that the guide tube 26 has a coating of lubricant on its inner surface and that the casing is pulled into and through the guide tube 26 in the process of being stuffed.

Abstract: A conveyor assembly for moving an extruded strand of sausage (26) from an extruding machine (10) and for coagulating the outer surface (28) of the strand (26) has first (48) and second (49) conveyor elements mounted on a frame (36). The conveyor assembly on the frame (36) moves from a point of beginning (38) to a discharge station (40) and thence back to the point of beginning (38). A brine fluid circuit is disposed on the frame above the conveyor with a plurality of discharge nozzles thereon to spray brine on a strand of sausage moving with the conveyor assembly. A pair of laser lights (88) project beams (90) on the unlinked strand (26) to determine the diameter thereof. A signal is sent from the lasers to a controller (92) who compares the diameter of the strand to a predetermined diameter.

Abstract: A conveyor system, for forming slack-filled casing into a generally uniform cross-section product uniformly along the length of the casing, includes an upper and lower conveyor assembly which are both driven by an air motor and which are adjustably spaced. The upper conveyor assembly includes a lower, supported belt run for engaging the casing product and an upper, supported belt run to form the product in an appropriate configuration and fill the casing tail.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process of producing sausages, wherein a tubular sausage casing closed at one end and provided with a figurative print is filled with sausage meat by pressing the sausage meat through the open end of the sausage casing into the same, where the sausage casing is carried along against the resistance of a casing brake and, corresponding to markers on the sausage casing, filled partial lengths of the sausage casing are divided off by compressing and closing them and are subsequently cut off from the remaining sausage casing, which process is characterized in that each filled partial length (sausage) is weighed after having been cut off, and the weight difference between a predetermined desired weight and the actual weight of the partial length is determined, and that the braking force of the casing brake is increased when the actual weight of the filled partial length is smaller than its desired weight, but is decreased when the actual weight is larger than the desired weight, until th

Abstract: A process for controlling combustion of burners arranged in a plurality of respective control zones divided in a furnace, includes the step of repeating a cycle of successively subjecting the burners to combustion for a short time. At least one temperature sensor is fitted in each control zone, a time period during which each burner is subjected to combustion is controlled according to a difference between a temperature detected by the corresponding temperature sensor and a preset temperature in a respective control zone. An apparatus is also disclosed for effecting such a controlling process.

Abstract: A casing holding device for a machine for filling and twisting off sausages includes a filling tube rotatable along its longitudinal axis, onto which a slug can be pulled, and which, on its free end, is equipped with an output opening for the output of sausage fill, and a casing brake which is equipped with a braking ring which surrounds the free end of the filling tube and which essentially rests against this under contact pressure, and a clamping member to secure the slug to the filling tube so as to rotate the slug with the filling tube.

Abstract: Product discharge section of a stuffing apparatus for partially filling food casings is equipped with a device for uniformly distributing and reshaping meat emulsions and other foodstuffs from a rounded configuration to other desired shapes, such as loaf style products for use in preparing turkey loaf, ham loaf, etc. Lower receiving conveyor means transport partially filled casings downstream to a wedge shaped slot defined by the lower conveyor and height and angle adjustable overhead belt which during passage extrudes the flowable meat product upstream toward the filling horn for uniformly apportioning and shaping the product before cooking, smoking or other processing. Methods and apparatus are especially useful in eliminating the need for shaping by hand, or use of loaf shaped molds.

Abstract: A product stuffing horn assembly includes a vacuum ring affixed near the outlet end of the stuffing horn over which shirred casing may flow. The vacuum ring is connected via appropriate tubing to a vacuum source so that air may be withdrawn from the region adjacent the outlet end of the stuffing horn and within the discharged casing.

Abstract: Sizing apparatus (10) for handling and casing of a flowable material such as meat is provided in order to produce individual, loose-filled casings (98) having product evenly distributed along the lengths thereof. The apparatus (10) preferably includes an elongated, tubular horn (16) having a discharge end (20) and adapted to receive a length of casing material (21) thereover. A tunnel device (14) having an inlet end (32) is situated closely adjacent the discharge end (20) and is oriented to receive the forward ends (96) of partially filled casings (98), in order to evenly distribute the meat as the casings (98) are formed. Separable voider jaws (24, 26) and a clipper (28) are employed for clipping the ends of the casings (98). The tunnel device (14) preferably includes rollers (40, 64) at the inlet end (32) thereof, with pickup conveyor assemblies (50, 70) downstream of the rollers (40, 64) which receive and continue the conveyance of the casings (98 ) through and out of device (14).

Abstract: Tubular food casings for preparing dimensionally uniform processed meat products with flat ends for maximizing yields for prepackaged product. Casings reinforced with one or more narrow polymeric bands securely bonded to the terminal ends of casing units are able to receive flat end plates which cooperate with the bands to form reliable end closures without clips and minimal casing requirements.

Abstract: This process involves continuously measuring the size of a portion of intestine by means (3) and commanding by means of a computer (8) the selection of a packaging container or support (7) corresponding to this size. This process also involves measuring by means (4) the length of portions of each size which are packaged in the various containers or supports and stopping the run of the portion being measured when a predetermined packaged length is reached.

Abstract: Casing material is paid out from the stuffing horn of a food emulsion extrusion system to stuff a food emulsion product. The casing material is drawn over a sizing means which provides varying degrees of sizing and hold back force to the casing material as it is paid out. The degrees of sizing and hold back force are adjustable while the casing is being stuffed with extruded food emulsion. New casing material may be loaded onto the stuffing horn over the sizing means without removal of any element of the sizing means from the stuffing horn.

Abstract: Internal sizing ring assembly and method for its use on a stuffing horn to extract air from within a tube-like casing having a closed end during stuffing operations, includes a sizing ring having an inner mounting surface adapted to conform to the outer surface of the stuffing horn, a peripheral casing-expanding surface to expand the casing into an open configuration, and front and back surfaces; and vacuum means defined by at least one port extending through the sizing ring and a longitudinally extendable tube connected to the port and in cooperation with a vacuum source. The internal sizing ring assembly can further include a hollow mold having an internal cross-section configured to slidingly receive the sizing ring with the casing effectively sealed between the two for producing shaped products substantially free of air voids.

Abstract: An improved mechanism controls gathering plates for an apparatus for the creation of filled tubing products. The plate comprise a longitudinally stationary pair of plates and a longitudinally movable pair of plates. The apparatus includes a cylinder, a piston and an adjustable stop. The cylinder is attached to the movable gaathering plates. The fixed piston rod extends within the cylinder and has a piston within the cylinder. The stop is for stopping movement of the cylinder relative to the piston under the action of fluid moved into the cylinder. The stop is mounted on the cylinder and is adjustable to provide for adjustment of the stopping position of the cylinder relative to the piston.

Abstract: A stuffing apparatus and method which avoids the smearing of fat just under the casing surface by using a stuffing horn which discharges food product in an axial stream and a plurality of radial streams so the food product swirls as it enters the casing. The horn extends into the casing during stuffing so that the casing is in an expanded and substantially fully stuffed condition as it traverses the radial streams being discharged into the casing.

Abstract: A preferred sizer (10) for stuffing flowable materials such as sausage into a flexible casing (24) includes a horn assembly (12) having inner and outer concentric tube (28, 34) presenting an evacuation chamber (46) therebetween connected to a vacuum source (50a) for deaerating material within the inner tube (34). The tubes (28, 34) are shiftable relative to one another between an open position in which the chamber (46) communicates with the interior of the inner tube (34) through an open space (48) adjacent the discharge ends (30, 36) of the tubes (28, 34) for evacuating air from material within the inner tube (34), and a closed position in which the open space (48) is sealed to prevent communication between the chamber (46) and the inner tube (34) interior thereby preventing entry of material into the chamber (46).

Abstract: A dual piston device (10) for handling and casing of flowable materials such as whole muscle meat products is provided which eliminates the problem of tailing, or creation of a tail of meat product extending outwardly from a casing adjacent an endmost clip. The device (10) includes a transfer conduit (20) having a slidable transfer piston (26) therein, together with an auxiliary conduit (34) connected to the transfer conduit (20) intermediate the ends thereof. The auxiliary conduit (34) is equipped with a deaerating severing piston (42). The pistons (42, 26) are configured to mate and coact so as to cleanly sever whole muscle meat pieces which may otherwise lie in the open end of a casing in the region thereof to be clipped.

Abstract: Improved method and apparatus for preparing partially/slack filled food casings enables food processors to make loaf style meat and sausage products with substantially "D" shaped cross sectional configurations with lower risk for casing rupture. By means of a casing slacker apparatus having a shutter/gate assembly mounted on an axially translatable carriage a predetermined length of additional unfilled casing is withdrawn from the filling horn after the filling cycle is completed. After completing the clip, cut and dump cycles the foodstuff is distrituted evenly throughout the casing and molded or shaped as desired.

Abstract: A stuffing method and apparatus is disclosed which produces a stuffed log having a front end portion which is larger in diameter than the remainder of the log. This is accomplished by spacing the sizing disc and pressure ring apart when food product is first introduced into the casing and the immediately pressing the sizing disc and pressure ring together while stuffing the front end portion of the casing and then moving the sizing disc and pressure ring to a set predetermined distance apart and holding them in this position while stuffing the remainder of the product.

Abstract: A dual piston device (10) for handling and casing of flowable materials such as whole muscle meat products is provided which eliminates the problem of tailing, or creation of a tail of meat product extending outwardly from a casing adjacent an endmost clip. The device (10) includes a transfer conduit (20) having a slidable transfer piston (26) therein, together with an auxiliary conduit (34) connected to the transfer conduit (20) intermediate the ends thereof. The auxiliary conduit (34) is equipped with a deaerating severing piston (42). The pistons (42, 26) are configured to mate and coact so as to cleanly sever whole muscle meat pieces which may otherwise lie in the open end of a casing in the region thereof to be clipped.