Abstract: Computer program products for ruckers for rucking sleeves of covering material onto a chute body include a translating member disposed in a housing having an axis of movement configured to reciprocally translate a chute body about the axis of movement; and at least one gripping member disposed in the housing in cooperating alignment with the translating member. In operation, the at least one gripping member has an automated stroke cycle whereby the at least one gripping member is configured to travel inwardly a distance sufficient to snugly abut an outer surface of the chute body while the chute body travels in a first direction about the axis of movement and to travel outwardly a sufficient distance to prevent contact with the chute body while the chute body travels in a second opposing direction about the axis of movement.

Abstract: Systems, 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 (c) applying a clip to the covering material to secure the object in the packing material.

Abstract: Automated pusher mechanisms with pusher heads that reciprocally travel in a product chute. The pusher head has a laterally extending planar forward portion and semi-circular side portions.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, devices, methods and computer program products configured to provide one or more of the following: improved rotary table or platform packaging systems, improved adhesive (glue) based film seal systems, and/or easier loading or releasing mounting systems of horns, forming collars and/or sprockets.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, devices, methods and computer program products configured to provide one or more of the following: improved rotary table or platform packaging systems, improved adhesive (glue) based film seal systems, and/or easier loading or releasing mounting systems of horns, forming collars and/or sprockets.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and associated devices for rucking sleeves of covering material onto a chute body include a translating member disposed in a housing having an axis of movement configured to reciprocally translate a chute body about the axis of movement; and at least one gripping member disposed in the housing in cooperating alignment with the translating member. Each at least one gripping member has a gripping edge portion that defines a gripping surface. The at least one gripping member configured to reciprocally translate substantially orthogonal to the axis of movement.

Abstract: Breech-load chutes for packaging systems for enclosing at least one target product in a covering material have elongate chute bodies that angle downwardly in a direction of travel at a non-vertical orientation. The respective breech-load chute body resides above a product chute and drops target products into a location to be pushed through a product chute.

Abstract: Pivotable clipper assemblies for attaching at least one closure clip to a product held in netting include a pivotable clipper mechanism having a clipper body configured to deliver clips to a clip window and attach the clips to netting and a first cutting cartridge mounted to the pivotable clipper mechanism. The first cutting cartridge includes: (a) a knife; (b) an actuation cylinder with a rod in communication with the knife that advances and retracts the knife; and (c) an anti-rotation block attached to a rear of the knife intermediate the knife and rod to inhibit the knife and rod from rotating, wherein, in operation, the first cutting cartridge pivots with the clipper mechanism.

Abstract: Automated (poultry) bagging packaging systems include a plurality of spaced apart holding stations that are configured to rotate in concert about a defined endless travel path to automatically serially position a respective holding station to be in communication with each of a plurality of different workstations.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and associated devices for rucking sleeves of covering material onto a chute body include a translating member disposed in a housing having an axis of movement configured to reciprocally translate a chute body about the axis of movement; and at least one gripping member disposed in the housing in cooperating alignment with the translating member. Each at least one gripping member has a gripping edge portion that defines a gripping surface. The at least one gripping member configured to reciprocally translate substantially orthogonal to the axis of movement.

Abstract: Automated pusher mechanisms with pusher heads that reciprocally travel in a product chute. The pusher head has an inverted “V” shape and semi-circular side portions.

Abstract: Loading caps suitable to mount to product chutes for rucking sleeves of covering material onto a chute body include a conical or frustoconical upper portion.

Abstract: Packaging apparatus modules include a frame with a base adapted to reside on a support floor, the frame having opposing right and left hand frame sides and at least one lateral beam that extends therebetween, the right and left hand frame sides comprising respective upwardly extending frame portions which are configured to reside on opposing sides of a longitudinal product travel path having an axially extending centerline; and a clipper mechanism configured to selectively attach to either one of the right and left hand frame sides in a manner that positions the clipper mechanism at a substantially common operative full-clip location in the product travel path when mounted to either the right or left hand frame sides to thereby allow build options with selectable mounting orientations.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, devices, methods and computer program products configured to provide one or more of the following: improved rotary table or platform packaging systems, improved adhesive (glue) based film seal systems, and/or easier loading or releasing mounting systems of horns, forming collars and/or sprockets.

Abstract: Systems for enclosing at least one target product in a covering material, include an elongate product chute having an outer surface and opposing receiving and discharge end portions with an interior cavity extending therethrough and an elongate breech loading chute alignably positioned generally above the product chute, the elongate loading chute configured to direct at least one target product into the product chute.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and associated devices for rucking sleeves of covering material onto a chute body include a translating member disposed in a housing having an axis of movement configured to reciprocally translate a chute body about the axis of movement; and at least one gripping member disposed in the housing in cooperating alignment with the translating member. Each at least one gripping member has a gripping edge portion that defines a gripping surface. The at least one gripping member configured to reciprocally translate substantially orthogonal to the axis of movement.

Abstract: Packaging apparatus modules include a frame with a base adapted to reside on a support floor, the frame having opposing right and left hand frame sides and at least one lateral beam that extends therebetween, the right and left hand frame sides comprising respective upwardly extending frame portions which are configured to reside on opposing sides of a longitudinal product travel path having an axially extending centerline; and a clipper mechanism configured to selectively attach to either one of the right and left hand frame sides in a manner that positions the clipper mechanism at a substantially common operative full-clip location in the product travel path when mounted to either the right or left hand frame sides to thereby allow build options with selectable mounting orientations.

Abstract: Methods for rucking sleeves of covering material onto a chute body include a plurality of spaced apart rotatable wheels having a primary axis of movement, wherein, in operation, the plurality of wheels have an automated stroke cycle whereby each is configured to travel inwardly a distance sufficient to snugly abut an outer surface of a chute body and remain in contact with the chute body while the wheels travel in a first direction about the primary axis of movement and in an opposing second direction about the primary axis of movement.

Abstract: Computer program products automatically package an object, such as, for example, whole muscle meat pieces, in a covering material, such as, for example, netting using actuators for operating barrier doors, pushers, and locks.

Abstract: Systems for enclosing at least one target product in a covering material, include an elongate product chute having an outer surface and opposing receiving and discharge end portions with an interior cavity extending therethrough and an elongate breech loading chute alignably positioned generally above the product chute, the elongate loading chute configured to direct at least one target product into the product chute.