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, devices and computer program products automatically package an object, such as, for example, whole muscle meat pieces, in a covering material, such as, for example, netting, by: (a) automatically pushing at least one object through first and second axially aligned product chutes; (b) pulling covering material from an exterior surface of a covering material chute residing about the second product chute to automatically enclose the object in the material as the object exits the second product chute; (c) applying at least one clip to the material to secure the object in the material; and (d) pivoting the covering material chute and second product chute together to load a sleeve of material onto the covering material chute.

Abstract: Methods, devices and computer program products automatically package an object in a covering material such as casing and/or netting by: (a) automatically pushing at least one object through a product chute; (b) pulling a covering material upstream of the product chute off an exterior surface of the product chute to automatically enclose the object in the covering material as the object exits the product chute; and then (c) applying a clip to the covering material to secure the object in the packing material.

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, devices and computer program products automatically package an object in a covering material such as casing and/or netting by: (a) automatically pushing at least one object through a product chute; (b) pulling a covering material upstream of the product chute off an exterior surface of the product chute to automatically enclose the object in the covering material as the object exits the product chute; and (c) applying a clip to the covering material to secure the object in the packing material.

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.