Abstract: Packaging systems and apparatus include a product chutes a clipper mechanism residing downstream of the product chute, and a vertically extendable and retractable product holding member disposed downstream of the clipper mechanism. In operation, the product holding member is configured to: (a) automatically vertically move to a first operative position whereby the holding member contacts and traps a target product to inhibit the target product from traveling downstream thereof, then (b) automatically vertically move to a second different position to allow a product to travel downstream thereof.

Abstract: Systems and devices for automatically pressing a covering material against a product chute during a packaging operation to apply a braking force.

Abstract: Methods, devices and computer program products automatically package an object in a covering material such as casing and/or netting by: (a) automatically pushing at least one object through a product chute; (b) pulling a covering material upstream of the product chute off an exterior surface of the product chute to automatically enclose the object in the covering material as the object exits the product chute; and then (c) applying a clip to the covering material to secure the object in the packing material.

Abstract: Methods, systems, apparatus and computer program products for applying a non-metallic clip to a target package in an automated or semi-automated manner include: (a) directing a plurality of non-metallic clips, each respective clip having a unitary body with a crown and spaced apart first and second legs, to travel in a clip travel path having a forward direction that merges into a punch path; (b) punching a non-metallic clip in the punch path so that the first and second legs thereof span opposing sides of a trailing and/or leading edge portion of a target package; then (c) deforming the clip so that the leading edge portions of the legs reside proximate each other about the trailing and/or leading edge portion of the target package to thereby close the clip about the target package. The non-metallic clips can be provided as integral elastomeric clip magazines and devices with clip rails configured to hold the elastomeric clips are described.

Abstract: Methods, devices and computer program products automatically package an object in a covering material such as casing and/or netting by: (a) automatically pushing at least one object through a product chute; (b) pulling a covering material upstream of the product chute off an exterior surface of the product chute to automatically enclose the object in the covering material as the object exits the product chute; and then (c) applying a clip to the covering material to secure the object in the packing material.