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: Methods, apparatus and associated devices for rucking sleeves of covering material onto a chute body include a plurality of spaced apart rotatable wheels having a primary axis of movement, wherein, in operation, the plurality of wheels have an automated stroke cycle whereby each is configured to travel inwardly a distance sufficient to snugly abut an outer surface of a chute body and remain in contact with the chute body while the wheels travel in a first direction about the primary axis of movement and in an opposing second direction about the primary axis of movement.

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: A casing brake construction in combination with a product discharge horn includes three generally parallel mounting plates with one of the plates holding the skin brake and the other two plates connected with the first plate and moveable relative to one another in an axial direction with respect to the product discharge horn to thereby position the horn in any one of three positions. The casing brake moves between a clipping and a rearward position with respect to the discharge horn and then moves over the end of the horn to remove excess product from the horn in order to enhance the aesthetics of the product.

Abstract: Apparatus for the high speed manufacture of elongated tubular film products from lengths of flexible, flat films. Film is unspooled passed over a forming collar, and onto a tube. On the tube, the film has a circular cross-section, with overlapped edges. A sizing ring correctly sizes the overlap. The film is immediately fed into a heating unit, where a closed-loop band contacts the overlap and heats the film to form a sealed seam. The film is advanced through the heating unit by boggie mounted drive belts. From the heating unit, the film is advanced into accumulation adjacent a casing brake.