Abstract: An improved shirring solution for cellulosic sausages casings and its method of use is provided comprising carboxymethylcellulose and polyethylene glycol.

Abstract: A caddy for packaging and transporting shirred food casings. A caddy according to the present invention comprises a plurality of shirred food casings, each of the shirred food casings being generally cylindrical and of generally equal length and diameter, with the food casings being arranged in a plurality of generally adjacent but offset rows to form a stack. The stack includes a bottom wall, a top wall, and a plurality of sidewalls. The stack is further defined by a pair of outside rows and a plurality of inside rows. At least one of the inside rows is laterally offset relative to its adjacent rows to thereby form a recessed notch adjacent one of the sidewalls. The same row also forms a protruding casing on the side opposite of the notch. A vacuum sealed peripheral retaining film surrounds the stack to thereby retain the food casings in the stack.

Abstract: The invention provides improvements in processes for film and fiber production involving precipitating cellulose from tertiary amine oxide solutions wherein a water soluble polymer is incorporated into the solution in an amount sufficient to slow precipitation of the cellulose during separation of the cellulose from the tertiary amine oxide.

Abstract: A method of shirring cellulosic skinless sausage casing comprises applying shirring solution comprising a member selected from the group of proteases and lipases in an amount effective to degrade the stuffed sausage contents adjacent the casing prior to peeling of the casing.

Abstract: A method for forming a vented end closure in a shirred food casing stick by forming an unshirred tail on the food casing stick, inserting a rod through the tail and into the stick, plunging the tail into the stick, and tamping the tail to form a closed end with a vent defined by the shape of the rod. A tamping rod may be used to pierce a tab on the opposite end of the food casing stock. Once pierced the tab can be ripped off the stick to leave a shard-free open end.

Abstract: The invention provides improvements in processes for film and fiber production involving precipitating cellulose from tertiary amine oxide solutions wherein an ester is incorporated into the solution in an amount sufficient to slow precipitation of the cellulose during separation of the cellulose from the tertiary amine oxide.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are caddies and methods for loading caddies with food casings in a manner that provides optimum food casing support. The caddy includes opposite side panels having alternating support surfaces for supporting alternating rows of n and n-1 food casings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method for producing tubular sausage casings of regenerated cellulose wherein viscose is extruded through an annular extrusion die submerged in an aquarium to form a tubular product and coagulation and regeneration of the tubular product is initiated in said aquarium, continued by spray application of an intermediate regenerating solution in an intermediate regeneration zone after the tubular product has exited the aquarium, and completed in one or more coagulation/regeneration baths which includes the step of heating the tubular product to a temperature above the boiling point of carbon bisulphide in the intermediate reaction zone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method for regenerating cellulosic sausage casings which includes the steps of extruding viscose through an annular extrusion die submerged in an aquarium to form a tubular product and partially gelling and coagulating the gel tubing in the aquarium, supporting the partially gelled and coagulated tubing on at least two upwardly moving inclined belt such that different sides of the casing are disposed in an upward facing orientation on the different belts and applying an intermediate regenerating solution to the tubing supported by the belts until it is partially cured, and conveying the partially cured tubing into at least one coagulation/regeneration bath which completes regeneration of the tubing.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method of shirring cellulosic skinless sausage casing comprising applying a shirring solution to the interior of the casing interior the improvement comprising applying a shirring solution to the casing at a temperature less than 10.degree. C.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for producing tubular sausage casings wherein regeneration of the interior portion of the viscose casing is initiated prior to regeneration of the exterior portion of the casing.

Abstract: A modular tubular cellulosic casing die that includes interchangeable parts, and adjustable die openings having an inner lip that can be centered and vertically adjusted relative to the die's outer lip.

Abstract: An adjustable reaction tub for making tubular cellulosic casings from viscose, the tub having upper rollers mounted to a frame and lower rollers on a roll support mounted to the same frame for adjustable positioning of the lower rollers at any of a range of depths within the tub.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved methods for the regeneration of cellulosic artificial sausage casings including the steps of immersing the regenerating casing in at least one regeneration bath including a solution of sodium sulfate and sulfuric acid, and subsequently immersing the regenerated casing in at least one finishing bath to remove impurities from the regenerated casing and further including the steps of maintaining regeneration bath at a temperature greater than 80.degree. C., sparging gas against the regenerating casing in said bath and actively cooling the regenerating casing upon withdrawal from the regeneration bath, spraying the regenerated casing with finishing solution above finishing bath and sparging gas against the regenerated casing in the finishing bath.