Abstract: Internal sizing ring assembly and method for its use on a stuffing horn to extract air from within a tube-like casing having a closed end during stuffing operations, includes a sizing ring having an inner mounting surface adapted to conform to the outer surface of the stuffing horn, a peripheral casing-expanding surface to expand the casing into an open configuration, and front and back surfaces; and vacuum means defined by at least one port extending through the sizing ring and a longitudinally extendable tube connected to the port and in cooperation with a vacuum source. The internal sizing ring assembly can further include a hollow mold having an internal cross-section configured to slidingly receive the sizing ring with the casing effectively sealed between the two for producing shaped products substantially free of air voids.

Abstract: A stuffing horn includes a cylindrical sleeve in which a least one channel located within the sleeve provides for the transfer of liquid additive from a liquid source to the outer extremity of the stuffing horn. Atomizers in the outer face of the horn provide a means of transferring the liquid additive from the horn onto the interior of a food-product thermoplastic container such as a casing or bag. The liquid additive, such as liquid smoke or colorant, is then transferred to the exterior surface of the stuffed meat product.