Abstract: Computer program products are configured to allow dual operational modes of packaging systems to produce encased products using interchangeable first or second horns.

Abstract: Methods for producing encased products using selectable first and second horns to thereby produce products in selectable different casing types include: (a) providing an apparatus having a first horn that, in operation, is configured to be in fluid communication with a filler pump located upstream thereof; (b) removing the first horn from the apparatus; and (c) mounting a second horn assembly comprising an intermediate pipe segment in fluid communication with a casing horn to the apparatus. The casing horn can pivot side-to-side. Related apparatus, systems, kits, assemblies and computer program products are configured to allow dual operational modes of producing encased products using first or second horns.

Abstract: Methods for producing encased products using selectable first and second horns to thereby produce products in selectable different casing types include: (a) providing an apparatus having a first horn that, in operation, is configured to be in fluid communication with a filler pump located upstream thereof; (b) removing the first horn from the apparatus; and (c) mounting a second horn assembly comprising an intermediate pipe segment in fluid communication with a casing horn to the apparatus. The casing horn can pivot side-to-side. Related apparatus, systems, kits, assemblies and computer program products are configured to allow dual operational modes of producing encased products using first or second horns.

Abstract: Methods for producing encased products using selectable first and second horns to thereby produce products in selectable different casing types include: (a) providing an apparatus having a first horn that, in operation, is configured to be in fluid communication with a filler pump located upstream thereof; (b) removing the first horn from the apparatus; and (c) mounting a second horn assembly comprising an intermediate pipe segment in fluid communication with a casing horn to the apparatus. The casing horn can pivot side-to-side. Related apparatus, systems, kits, assemblies and computer program products are configured to allow dual operational modes of producing encased products using first or second horns.

Abstract: Methods for producing encased products using selectable first and second horns to thereby produce products in selectable different casing types include: (a) providing an apparatus having a first horn that, in operation, is configured to be in fluid communication with a filler pump located upstream thereof; (b) removing the first horn from the apparatus; and (c) mounting a second horn assembly comprising an intermediate pipe segment in fluid communication with a casing horn to the apparatus. The casing horn can pivot side-to-side. Related apparatus, systems, kits, assemblies and computer program products are configured to allow dual operational modes of producing encased products using first or second horns.

Abstract: Methods for producing encased products using selectable first and second horns to thereby produce products in selectable different casing types include: (a) providing an apparatus having a first horn that, in operation, is configured to be in fluid communication with a filler pump located upstream thereof; (b) removing the first horn from the apparatus; and (c) mounting a second horn assembly comprising an intermediate pipe segment in fluid communication with a casing horn to the apparatus. The casing horn can pivot side-to-side. Related apparatus, systems, kits, assemblies and computer program products are configured to allow dual operational modes of producing encased products using first or second horns.

Abstract: Methods for producing encased products using selectable first and second horns to thereby produce products in selectable different casing types include: (a) providing an apparatus having a first horn that, in operation, is configured to be in fluid communication with a filler pump located upstream thereof, (b) removing the first horn from the apparatus; and (c) mounting a second horn assembly comprising an intermediate pipe segment in fluid communication with a casing horn to the apparatus. The casing horn can pivot side-to-side. Related apparatus, systems, kits, assemblies and computer program products are configured to allow dual operational modes of producing encased products using first or second horns.

Abstract: A metal detector is incorporated in a discharge horn of a product filling machine in a manner which shortens the length of the horn to thereby prevent the formation of aesthetically displeasing product due to extended transport of the comminuted product through a filling horn and metal detection equipment.

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: A clipper apparatus is provided which is convertible between single and dual punch operation and includes a single pneumatic cylinder for driving both punches. One of the punches is driven directly by the cylinder. The second punch is connected to the first punch by means of a pin and key assembly which enables coupling or decoupling of the second punch to the first punch. Thereby the punches can be made to operate simultaneously. Alternatively, only the first punch will be driven by the pneumatic cylinder.

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: Clip attachment apparatus for attaching a U-shaped metal clip about gathered material includes a frame, a channel supported on the frame for receiving a clip, a punch for driving the clip in the channel against a die, and a pair of pivot gates which are driven by an eccentric cam and follower responsive to independent actuators. The gates are moveable between a closed position wherein the gates form a part of the channel and position the die at the end of the channel, and an open position for inserting casing material into the clip apparatus.

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: Apparatus for the high speed manufacture of elongated tubular film products from lengths of flexible, flat films. Film is unspooled passed over a forming collar, and onto a tube. On the tube, the film has a circular cross-section, with overlapped edges. A sizing ring correctly sizes the overlap. The film is immediately fed into a heating unit, where a closed-loop band contacts the overlap and heats the film to form a sealed seam. The film is advanced through the heating unit by boggie mounted drive belts. From the heating unit, the film is advanced into accumulation adjacent a casing brake.

Abstract: An improved packaging device designed for the filling of flexible, tubular casing and for the sealing of the casing in discrete 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: 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: 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.