Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention provides a metering device for metering the fluid which is injected into meat. The fluid is injected through needles, and the metering device meters the fluid to the precise volume of the cavities formed by the needles. The metering is varied depending upon the depth to which the needles penetrate the meat, and depending upon the thickness of the meat, so that the amount of fluid metered is always equal to the volume of the cavities which the needles form in the meat. The fluid is ejected from the needles as the needles are withdrawn from the meat.

Abstract: A plurality of needles is injected into a food product to create a plurality of cavity voids in said product, and a metered quantity of fluid is injected through said needles into said cavity voids while said needles are within said food product, said quantity of fluid being metered to be equal substantially to the volume of said cavity voids.

Abstract: A link cutter apparatus for separating stuffed product casing links interconnected by twisted casing sections includes a conveyor having a plurality of hooks extended therefrom at spaced-apart positions thereon. A cutting member is positioned on the support structure of the apparatus with the conveyor being operative to advance each hook from a loading position, where it receives and supports a twisted casing section between a pair of links, to a cutting position, wherein the twisted casing section is moved into cutting engagement with the cutting member so as to be severed thereby. Each hook may be bifurcated to include a pair of legs defining an open ended slot for receipt of the cutting member therebetween at the cutting position for the hook. A guide structure may be provided in advance of the cutting position to properly align the hooks for receiving the cutting member and a pan may be positioned relative to the cutting member for receiving the severed links.

Abstract: An airplane angle of attack and direction of flight indicator includes a vane on the outside of the fuselage which is pivotally movable in response to changes in the airplane's angle of attack. A group of optical fibers are supported within the airplane with one end positioned for exposure to a light source. A light shield is movable into and out of blocking relation between the light source and optical fibers in response to pivotal movement of the vane. With the opposite ends of the optical fibers arranged in an indicator in the airplane cockpit, the illumination of fibers at the indicator affords a ready indication of the airplane's angle of attack. With the opposite ends of the fiber arranged in vertically spaced relation, a sighting device may be interposed between the pilot and indicator for establishing a line of sight along the actual direction of flight.

Abstract: A method and machine for injecting fluids into meat products or the like. The machine comprises 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: 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 hand-held meat skinning device comprising a housing containing an air driven motor positioned therein which is in communication with a source of air under pressure. A pivotal lever is provided on the housing for actuation of the air motor. A guard ring is provided on the housing adjacent the lower end for protecting the operator's hand and for preventing the actuation lever from being depressed when the unit is placed upon a supporting surface. A laterally extending housing portion is provided at the forward end of the device and has a toothed roll rotatably mounted thereon which is driven by the air motor positioned in the housing. The laterally extending housing portion is provided with a recessed or cut-away portion to expose the periphery of the toothed roll. A plurality of spaced-apart grooves are formed in the periphery of the toothed roll and a stripper blade is positioned in the upper portions of the grooves in a "floating" condition and maintained therein by a bolt.

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 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: 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: A stuffing tube apparatus for an encasing machine which includes a product pump in combination with a source of meat product and having an outlet conduit extending therefrom. The outlet conduit of the product pump is in communication with a conduit extending through a spindle member which is rotatably mounted in a spindle housing. The stuffing tube apparatus comprises a stuffing tube support member which is rotatably mounted on the spindle housing and which has at least a pair of stuffing tubes mounted thereon in a spaced apart relationship. The stuffing tube support member may be manually rotated with respect to the spindle housing so that the inlet end of one of the stuffing tubes is placed in operative engagement with the spindle so that the spindle conduit is in communication with the inlet end of the one stuffing tube. The other stuffing tube is in a casing loading position when the said one stuffing tube is in the encasing position.

Abstract: A loading tube sleeve for use with an encasing machine having a stuffing tube is disclosed herein together with the method of preparing the natural casings so that they may be inserted into the machine. The sleeve comprises an elongated hollow member formed from expanded material. The folded casings are placed on the sleeve and are inserted into water until they are to be used. The sleeve is then slipped over the stuffing tube. The configuration of the sleeve is such that the casing will be easily and uniformly filled at the discharge end of the stuffing tube without damage to the casing.

Abstract: A safety means for a skinning and/or slashing machine having a frame means with a skinning blade means mounted thereon which provides skin from the meat product to be skinned as the meat product is moved therepast. A plurality of spaced apart slashing blades are rotatably mounted on the frame means adjacent the skinning blade means and are adapted to slash the meat product to permit the inspection thereof. The blades are supported by a pair of support arms which are pivotally connected to the frame means so that the blades may be moved upwardly away from the skinning blade means. A first normally closed switch means is provided on the frame means and is adapted to deactivate the machine power supply when the support arms are pivotally moved to their raised positions. A transparent safety shield is secured to the support arms and extends over the blades. An inverted U-shaped safety guard extends over the feed conveyor to prevent the machine operator from extending his hands too far towards the skinning blade.