Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a loading and unloading arrangement that makes it possible to have timesaving loading and unloading of a conveyor of a processing equipment unit, whether it is in an autoclave or in a storage unit or in some other kind of processing equipment unit such as for brewing or boiling or for freezing. For conducting the piece goods (S) to or from a loading and unloading device (1.1, 1.2), a primary conveying device (PF) is provided for the conveyor (F). The piece goods (S) are moved to or from a feeder conveyor (1.9, 2.8) with this primary conveying device. The piece goods (S) are moved from the feeder conveyor (1.9, 2.9) to the conveyor or from the latter with the transfer devices (U1, U2, U3). This kind of arrangement permits a rapid exchange of the piece goods between the freshly supplied goods and processed goods because conveyance to or from on the one hand and loading and unloading on the other hand can be carried out at intervals from one another.

Abstract: The storage arrangement for operation in an autoclave with horizontal cylinder (60) includes a conveyor chain (10), which is moved on both sides back and forth over guide sprocket wheels. Shelves (1) are conveyed with the conveyor chain (10). The parallel guidance of these shelves (1) is effected by means of parallel guide wheels (16), which run synchronously with the guide sprocket wheels (12). The guide sprocket wheels (12) are connected with idler gears (15), so that, as a whole, they present a rigid drive structure. With this kind of storage arrangement, a cylindrical autoclave can be densely packed, and it is easy to carry out heating by means of steam and cooling through spraying.

Abstract: A sausage stuffing apparatus including a gripper apparatus for a sausage strand in which constricting forks are pivotable about their fastenings to movable chains. Provided on the gripper apparatus is at least one guide element for the pivotable guidance of the constricting forks, this guide element effecting the forks dividing the sausage strand into sausage lengths immediately after an end cone produces a constriction of the sausage strand, and successively again releasing the strand, and wherein the guide element is adjustably arranged in such a manner whereby the length of the engagement of the forks into the sausage strand is adjustable. At least one additional guide means is fixedly arranged on the gripper apparatus ahead of the constricting position.