Abstract: Apparatus for engaging a filler/product pump that include: (a) a horn having a length, an outer surface and an internal product channel extending therethrough; (b) a forming collar in communication with the horn, wherein, in operation, the forming collar is configured to cooperate with the horn to direct planar casing material to take on a generally tubular shape over an outer surface of the horn while product travels through the internal channel; (c) a netting chute sized and configured to receive a portion of the horn therein, the netting chute configured to hold a sleeve of elastic netting material thereon; and (d) an automated derucker operatively associated with the netting chute whereby the derucker is configured to automatically travel through a derucker stroke cycle comprising upstream and downstream locations to pull segments of netting material toward a downstream end portion of the netting chute while product is pumped out of the horn.

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: Apparatus for engaging a filler/product pump that include: (a) a horn having a length, an outer surface and an internal product channel extending therethrough; (b) a forming collar in communication with the horn, wherein, in operation, the forming collar is configured to cooperate with the horn to direct planar casing material to take on a generally tubular shape over an outer surface of the horn while product travels through the internal channel; (c) a netting chute sized and configured to receive a portion of the horn therein, the netting chute configured to hold a sleeve of elastic netting material thereon; and (d) an automated derucker operatively associated with the netting chute whereby the derucker is configured to automatically travel through a derucker stroke cycle comprising upstream and downstream locations to pull segments of netting material toward a downstream end portion of the netting chute while product is pumped out of the horn.

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: Embodiments of the present invention provide translating gates having at least one cooperating stiffener assembly and related, apparatus, systems, methods and computer program products. The translating gates with at least one stiffener assembly may be particularly suitable for non-pivoting clippers, such as, for example, stationary-mount clippers. The stiffener assembly can be configured to stiffen, brace and/or otherwise keep the gate assembly tightly closed during a clipping operation.

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: Embodiments of the present invention provide translating gates having at least one cooperating stiffener assembly and related, apparatus, systems, methods and computer program products. The translating gates with at least one stiffener assembly may be particularly suitable for non-pivoting clippers, such as, for example, stationary-mount clippers. The stiffener assembly can be configured to stiffen, brace and/or otherwise keep the gate assembly tightly closed during a clipping operation.

Abstract: An improved mechanism feeds loops or ties into clip attachment apparatus such as a clipper. The loops preferably have tie portions, the carrier may be a tape, and the loops should be in substantially equidistant series on the carrier. The carrier passes around rollers and a dancer, and along a stationary plate. Strip plates are preferably pivotally mounted adjacent the stationary plate. A loop and carrier drive indexes the loops on the carrier toward the clip attachment apparatus. A strip plate drive pivots the strip plates to and from positions in which the strip plates strip a loop adjacent the clip attachment apparatus at least partially from the carrier. The strip plate drive pivots the strip plates to catch the loop adjacent the clip attachment apparatus between the strip plates and pull the loop at least partially from the carrier.

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: 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.