Abstract: An improved loader is described. The loader includes a frame having an upper surface, a pair of horns adjustably connected to the upper surface, each horn comprising an upper shoulder, a lower shoulder, and an air duct between the upper shoulder and the lower shoulder, a pair of air hoses connecting each air duet to a controller, the controller being connected to a pressurized air supply, and an alignment mechanism mounted, the alignment mechanism including an axle mounted to the frame, a first arm connected to a first panel, the first arm rotatably connected to the axle, a second arm connected to a second panel, the second arm rotatably connected to the axle, a gear mechanism connected to the axle and to the first arm and the second arm, the gear mechanism configured to rotate the second arm in a direction opposite to a direction of rotation of the first arm, and a dual-action cylinder connected to at least one of the first arm and the second arm.

Abstract: An improved system for stuffing material is described. The clipping system includes a first clipper comprising a clip reel, a clip rail, a punch, and a die, the punch configured to engage a single clip and the die having a set of two depressions configured to engage and bend a pair of legs of the single clip, and further includes a second clipper mounted adjacent the first clipper, the second clipper comprising a second clip reel, a second clip rail, a second punch, and a second die, the second punch configured to engage a pair of clips and the second die having two sets of two depressions configured to engage and bend the legs of the pair of clips.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing clips is described, The method comprises the steps of extruding a incited thermoplastic resin into thin extrudate and forming the extrudate into a plurality of clips. The forming step comprises one of (a) a step of vacuum thermoforming the extrudate into a plurality of clips by pulling the extrudate over a female mold and pulling a vacuum between the mold and the extrudate; or (b) the steps of providing a forming tool perpendicular to the extrudate, the extruding tool having a shape corresponding to the inside of a single clip; forming the single clip by contacting the extrudate with the forming tool and retracting the forming tool; advancing the extrudate; forming a second single clip by contacting the extrudate with the forming tool and retracting the forming tool; and cooling the formed clips.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for enclosing material in a bag is described for a bag comprising a stretchable material and having a first dimension and a second dimension. The method comprises stretching the bag in the first dimension, placing material in the bag, releasing the bag in the first dimension, stretching the bag in a second dimension, evacuating the bag, and sealing the bag. The apparatus comprises a bagger configured to stretch the bag in a first dimension, to receive the material, and to release the bag in the first dimension, and a packaging apparatus comprising a nozzle coupled to a vacuum system, a grasping means, and a clipper means, the grasping means configured to hold a neck of the bag to the nozzle and to stretch the bag in the second dimension.

Abstract: An apparatus for encasing product in a tubular material with a handle is described. The apparatus of the preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a delivery conveyor, a ram located on a first side of the delivery conveyor, a product horn located at a side of the delivery conveyor opposite the ram, the product horn having a first end and a second end, the first end adjacent the delivery conveyor and the second end remote from the delivery conveyor, a sealer configured to form tubular seamed casing about the product horn, a printer in data communication with a scale, a clipper located at the second end of the product horn, and a plurality of tag handles feeding through the printer and to the clipper.

Abstract: A system for encasing food products in film is described. The system comprises a mixer, a sealer in fluid communication with the mixer, a swivel mounted to a downstream side of the sealer, a stuffing horn mounted to a downstream side of the swivel, and a clipper. The stuffing horn is movable from a first position adjacent to said clipper, to a second position remote from said clipper.