Abstract: The invention comprises a shirred food casing strand comprising tubular film food casing compressed along a longitudinal axis of the tubular film to form a compressed pleated strand. The strand has an internal longitudinal bore defined by sidewalls formed from said compressed tubular film. The bore has a first open end and the strand is provided with an end closure proximate a second end of the bore and which closes said bore proximate said second end. The end closure comprises a portion of said tubular film compressed within said bore proximate said second end. The compressed film portion has a vent therethrough. The compressed film portion tightly circumferentially contacts the walls of said bore at the location of the end closure and is hollow at one end of the compressed film portion and has an essentially flat surface at another end of the compressed film portion opposite the hollow end, said flat surface facing the first open end of said bore.

Abstract: A shirred stick composed of unreinforced casing impregnated with liquid smoke. The stick has no twist which eliminates rope and gives the stick a smooth, blemish free outer peripheral surface. The method of making the stick requires placement of the shirred stick on a dowel immediately after shirring, holding it on the dowel for a period of time sufficient for moisture to migrate uniformly throughout the stick and then removing the dowel.

Abstract: A chuck for a stuffing machine for gripping and rotating a food-filled casing about a longitudinal axis to facilitate formation of links. The chuck has a plurality of antifriction free-wheeling rollers disposed along a longitudinal bore. Torgue for rotating the stuffed casing passing through the bore is transmitted by the engagement of a side edge of each roller against the casing. The casing, moving passed the rollers, causing the rollers to turn on their own axes so that torque transmission for rotating the casing about its longitudinal axis is accomplished with minimal longitudinal drag on the casing.

Abstract: A textured suede fabric lamina is produced by applying a thermoplastic compound to a flocked fabric. Desirably, the thermoplastic compound is expandable, that is having a blowing agent therein, so that upon heating an expanded infused layer is formed which can be sueded. The infused layer provides an improved appearance as well as improved physical properties such as feel, cleanability, color stability, and flock adhesion. A thin soil-resistant compound such as a halogenated polymer can be applied thereto. The textured suede lamina can be readily embossed.

Abstract: The exterior wall of an inflated flexible tubing is moved through an inner opening of a first flexible and resilient means and displaces the opening edge while liquid is applied by rubbing contact. The liquid coating is then smoothed by movement through the inner opening of a rotating second flexible and resilient means.