Abstract: A collar for animals which serves the function of holding identification tags or medallions in place. The collar holds the tags in a manner that is integral to the structure of the collar, in an orientation such that the tags are easily visible and readable, and in such a way that the tags will not strike one another, thereby reducing noise produced when the animal moves and decreasing the risk of the tags catching on exterior surfaces.

Abstract: An end-cutting and stripping station for removing casings from sausages is disclosed. The station comprises a carousel having end-cutting units spaced around its perimeter. The carousel is connected to a conveyor, each unit receiving a sausage as the conveyor advances. Each unit includes a sausage support and a carriage slidably mounted below the support. An actuator is connected between the carriage and the carousel. As the actuator retracts, sensor fingers on the carriage slidingly engage a sausage on the support. When the finger tips reach the bottom end of the sausage, the fingers move inwardly, actuating a control valve and halting the carriage. A casing cutter is then actuated to cut off the lower end of the casing above the finger tips. As the conveyor exits the carousel, a pair of stripper bars positioned below the conveyor engage the tops of the sausages and force them out of the casings.