Abstract: A method and apparatus that uses safety apparel that has an identification element so that a sensor on a machine may detect the presence of the identification element. Upon detecting the presence of the identification element, the sensors electronically activate a series of switches and relays that allow the machine to operate. A plurality of relays can be set up so that when certain operational parameters occur, or do not occur, the machine is shut down. This includes a timing circuit to ensure the machine is being properly operated. Once the machine shuts down the operator must repeat the procedure of placing the identification element in communication with the sensors.

Abstract: A linking and link cutting assembly for sausage encasing machines has a pair of endless linking chains having portions which are parallel and which are laterally spaced. They carry spaced pinching blocks which register during the parallel movement, and pinch a sausage rope moving longitudinally therebetween to form links in the rope. A cutting knife is incorporated into one of the registering blocks and is actuated by a cam block having a cam surface that engages the knife to selectively move the knife to cut the desired link. The linking chains are conventionally driven and are adaptable for operative connection to the typical drive shaft of a conventional linking apparatus of a sausage encasing machine. The method of separating cutting links in a sausage rope while the rope is moving longitudinally. The knife which cuts the links is a part of the blocks on the linking chain that forms the links, and is actuated by a cam block.

Abstract: The apparatus for rotating the strand of meat product has an elongated barrel with a plurality of bores therein, with each bore having a tube rotatably mounted therein. An elongated strand of extruded meat product is inserted into one of the elongated tubes, whereupon the strand is cut and clipped into a closed condition at the inlet end of the tube. The tube is then selectively rotated, and a drive gear is provided for indexing the barrel for an incremental amount of rotation to align the incoming strand with a second of the tube members. While the second tube member is being loaded with an elongated strand of meat product, the elongated strand in the first tube is removed therefrom and is introduced into a conventional linking means while it is still rotating from the action of the first tube member. A first alternative apparatus introduces the elongated strand of meat product into one of two elongated tubes arranged in a serpentine configuration.

Abstract: A storage rack and linker for an elongated meat strand has a pair of spaced parallel plates with a plurality of elongated parallel bars extending there between. The parallel plates are comprised of two overlapping plate elements, one of which has a series of radially extending slots therein, which overlap some arcuate slots in the other of the plate elements.Each of the bars is equipped with a cutting mechanism which is adapted to engage linked products draped around the parallel bars for severing the linked products from each other at an appropriate time during their creation. Each rack has a drive element on one end and a drive socket on the other so that racks can be nested with each other for rotational purposes, but can easily be removed from each other for storage or transporting purposes.