Abstract: A stuffing horn turret machine has a stuffing horn receiving turret rotatably and translationally mounted on a frame. A rotary drive, a translational drive, limit position sensors, and a controller of logic elements cause the turret to rotate and translate the horns to and from active and standby positions. Cleaning and repair of the machine is facilitated by pivotable mounting of the machine, removable turret bearings, and many other important features.

Abstract: A sausage stuffing machine includes a cylindrical sausage discharge tube which dispenses sausage material into shirred casing stored on the tube. A clipper is positioned adjacent the end of the tube for sealing the filled casing at desired intervals. A casing brake mechanism is provided at the discharge end of the tube and includes an axially translatable ring which fits over the flared end of the tube to engage the shirred casing.

Abstract: An improved U-shaped clip of uniform cross section for attachment as a closure includes opposed legs and a connecting crown. The improvement particularly relates to the inverted T-shaped cross sectional shape of the clip.

Abstract: An automatic door closer providing for use as a light duty door opener and having a slip clutch for protecting the electric gear drive power unit from damage due to overspeeding on excess loads applied by overriding manual door operation. Zener diodes across the power supply to the electric drive motor effectively throw a heavy electrical load on the motor and cause the clutch to slip if the motor is sufficiently oversped and caused to act as a higher voltage bucking generator, as by manually forcing the door substantially faster in the direction in which it is being driven. A direct current motor is used at considerably lower than its rated voltage so that electrical power may be safely applied continuously for holding the door closed with the motor stalled, and without the clutch slipping, with the clutch set to slip only when the force applied thereto is significantly higher than the force required to stall the motor yet safe for the drive unit.