Abstract: An apparatus for removing the casing from sausages is improved by modifying the product loading horn with a structure that brings about venturi effects whereby fluid for conditioning the casing is impelled through the product loading horn and contacts the casing within the product loading horn at a velocity greater than the velocity at which the conditioning fluid is supplied to the apparatus. The venturi aspects of the apparatus insure thorough conditioning of the casing while substantially eliminating escape of the conditioning fluid to the environment. The improved structure includes restricted passageways at fluid interfaces where the conditioning fluid enters the product loading horn and after the conditioning fluid exits the product loading horn.

Abstract: A machine for removing skin from animal carcasses, and particularly hog carcasses, which includes an upstanding inclined from the vertical rotatable cylinder having an axially extending slot, a skin clamp at the slot for clamping a portion of the skin to the cylinder, a stationary peel bar positioned adjacent the cylinder and against which a carcass engages during the skinning operation, a fluid drive for closing the skin clamp and rotating the cylinder, and spray nozzles for cleaning the cylinder and peel bar following a skinning operation. A system is provided for automatically handling the carcasses moving to and from the machine.