Abstract: A shirred fibrous food casing defines a shirred stick formed from a tubular fibrous casing. The shirred stick includes an average outside diameter at least 120% of the average inflated diameter of the deshirred casing. Additionally, the shirred stick includes an average inside diameter of at least 70% of the casing inflated diameter and a pleat pitch defined as the distance between adjacent apexes of major pleats measured on the casing after the shirred stick is deshirred.

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

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 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.