Abstract: A stuffing horn mechanism for chub packaging machinery, utilized in association with such machinery to produce chub products by stuffing of casing with comminuted material. The stuffing horn mechanism comprises a telescoping stuffing horn, a comminuted material reservoir, and reservoir volume varying apparatus. The telescoping horn is variable in volume during telescoping, and the reservoir is in communication with the stuffing horn. The reservoir volume varying apparatus is operatively connected to the stuffing horn, for varying the volume of the reservoir in inverse relation to the volume of the stuffing horn during telescoping.

Abstract: An improved, integral, U-shaped metal clip for use as a closure includes a textured surface to enhance the strength of the clip and to evidence tampering. The texturing may be effected by one or more working steps on the surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for the attachment of a U-shaped metal clip about the gathered open end of a package continuously transported on a horizontal moving conveyor belt. The apparatus includes a clipper mechanism which receives the tail of a package supported by the continuously moving belt. The clipper mechanism attaches a clip and then ejects the attached clip and the tail of the clipped bag.

Abstract: A stuffing horn turret machine has a stuffing horn receiving turret rotatably and translationally mounted on a frame. A rotary drive, a translational drive, limit position sensors, and a controller of logic elements cause the turret to rotate and translate the horns to and from active and standby positions. Cleaning and repair of the machine is facilitated by pivotable mounting of the machine, removable turret bearings, and many other important features.

Abstract: An improved stuffing horn and casing brake combination in a stuffing machine comprises a stuffing horn defining a second horn portion with second-horn-portion outer dimensions reduced in comparison to the first-horn-portion dimensions of a first horn portion. A casing brake mechanism intermittently brakes the movement of casing from the stuffing horn past a horn discharge opening by applying tension to the casing on the horn, and has a first brake portion and a second brake portion, where the brake portions have internal dimensions sized relative to the horn-portion dimensions for applying tension to casing on the horn between both brake portions and only the first horn portion, or between only the second brake portion and the first horn portion, when either the second brake portion is, or both portions are, in a braking position relative to the first horn portion.

Abstract: In a food product stuffing machine, a product discharge tray is mounted on a parallelogram linkage and inclined against a vertical guide. A rotary actuator drives the linkage to drive the tray forward, horizontally, and laterally, horizontally. Simultaneously the tray climbs the vertical guide, discharging product by gravity, forward of the machine and at approximately the same product height and lateral position as before contact with the tray.

Abstract: An improved stuffing horn and casing brake combination in a stuffing machine. The combination comprises a stuffing horn defining a discharge opening, adapted to receive casing, and having two specialized portions. The specialized portions are a first horn portion and a second horn portion, where the first horn portion has first-horn-portion outer dimensions and the second horn portion has second-horn-portion outer dimensions which are reduced in comparison to the first-horn-portion dimensions. The combination further comprises a casing brake mechanism for intermittently braking the movement of causing from the stuffing horn past the discharge opening by applying tension to the casing on the horn, and also having two specialized portions.

Abstract: An improved packaging device designed for the filling of flexible, tubular casing and for the sealing of the casing in discreet lengths which may then be further processed or packaged. The device includes a mounting assembly having a floor mounted frame with a rotatable platform supported by the frame. Adjacent the frame and platform is a device for feeding product through a product horn into casing which is shirred on the horn. The platform includes a plurality of specially designed clippers arranged in a circular array. As filled casing is discharged from the feeding mechanism it is directed tangentially into the circular array of rotating clippers which are equally spaced from each other. The clippers sequentially operate to gather the casing, apply spaced, double clips to the casing, sever the connection between adjacent clips, and to then discharge the packaged link from the device.

Abstract: In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a brake mechanism for a clip attachment packaging device is movable both axially with respect to a product discharge horn in order to control release of casing from the horn and pivotally with respect to the horn in order to move out of alignment with the horn thereby permitting access to the horn for repair, replacement of casing, or other purposes. As a further feature of the invention, the clip attachment apparatus includes a specially constructed gathering mechanism comprised of a fixed jaw defining a first clip channel side or section cooperative with a movable jaw defining a second clip channel side or section. The fixed jaw and first clip channel are maintained in a fixed orientation in space. The movable jaw and second clip channel are translatable in two directions simultaneously toward the fixed jaw to thereby close about casing between the jaws prior to attachment of a metal clip about the casing.

Abstract: An improved shirring device for sausage casing includes a station having opposed shirring wheels for shirring casing onto a mandrel. Opposed jaws positioned for movement transverse to the mandrel operate to engage shirred casing. Both the wheels and jaws are mounted on a slidable platform which is movable axially to transport shirred casing along the mandrel and to compact the shirred casing.

Abstract: An improved double clipper utilizes a heated bar to sever elastic netting material which has been clipped.

Abstract: A sausage stuffing machine includes a cylindrical sausage discharge tube which dispenses sausage material into shirred casing stored on the tube. A clipper is positioned adjacent the end of the tube for sealing the filled casing at desired intervals. A casing brake mechanism is provided at the discharge end of the tube and includes an axially translatable ring which fits over the flared end of the tube to engage the shirred casing.

Abstract: An adjustable crimping die for use in combination with a clipper apparatus includes a wedge adjustment block adjustable in response to an adjustment screw to thereby position the die member with respect to the cooperative punch and control the tightness of a U-shaped clip about gathered material.

Abstract: A motor speed control is disclosed herein. The speed control includes a photoelectric array and a control member situated within a housing. The photoelectric array provides a discreet, regulated voltage in accordance with the position of the control member, and a control circuit sets the motor speed based upon the level of the regulated voltage.