Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing sausage-shaped products, like sausages, containing a flowable filling material in a tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing, on a clipping machine having a control unit for controlling the clipping machine, the method comprises the steps of feeding the filling material in a feeding direction into the tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing stored on a filling tube and being closed at the front end by a closure means, like a closure clip, gathering the filled tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing by gathering means arranged downstream the filling tube, for forming a plait-like portion thereto, and placing and closing at least one closure means on the plait-like portion for closing the filled tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing.

Abstract: Grinding apparatus for grinding substances, such as tobacco. In certain embodiments, grinding apparatus with a plurality of receptacles which can be selectively filled with a ground product, such as tobacco. In still other embodiments, a grinding apparatus with a selector capability or mechanism for selecting one or more of a plurality of receptacles, or storage area(s), for delivery of a ground product.

Abstract: A stuffing apparatus includes a main body case, a stuffing nozzle for discharging a material, a material feed pump for feeding the material into the stuffing nozzle, a pump drive motor for driving the material feed pump, and a conveying device for conveying a stuffed casing in a direction in which the material discharged is discharged, wherein a hopper into which the material is charged from above is provided above the material feed pump, the material feed pump, the pump drive motor, and the hopper are provided on the main body case on which the stuffing nozzle and the conveying device are provided, and the material which is fed from the material feed pump is automatically stuffed by being fed into the stuffing nozzle via a material feed pipe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a clipping machine for producing sausage-shaped products by filling a flowable filling material into a tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing and closing said packaging casing by at least one closure means, the clipping machine comprises a filling tube, having a central axis and a filling outlet, for feeding said filling material in a feeding direction via said filling outlet into said packaging casing, a displacement device for gathering the filled packaging casing and for forming a plait-like portion thereto, at least substantially free from filling material and a clipping device for applying at least one closure means to said plait-like portion. The displacement device of the inventive clipping machine is arranged in a replacement assembly group, wherein the group is removably arrangeable at the clipping machine in an engagement position, in which the replacement assembly group is coupled to the clipping machine for production process.

Abstract: A supply of suspension elements, like suspension loops, are configured for being fed in a feeding direction to a clipping machine for producing sausage-shaped products, like sausages, and configured for being attached to said sausage-shaped products. The supply comprises a carrier strip having at least an upper and a lower surface as well as and two longitudinally extending edges arranged parallel to each other. The supply further comprises and a number of suspension elements attached to the upper or lower surface of the carrier strip in at least substantially regular intervals, wherein the carrier strip including the suspension elements is wound up, thereby forming a roll. At least one mark which is attached to the carrier strip at a predefined distance from its end.

Abstract: This document provides devices and methods for processing elongate generally cylindrical food products. For example, this document provides devices and methods for longitudinally cutting sausages, and the sausage designs as cut thereby.

Abstract: Loading caps suitable to mount to product chutes for rucking sleeves of covering material onto a chute body include a conical or frustoconical upper portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging plant for packing sausages or other objects, comprising a manufacturing device, a buffer device, a feeding device, an insertion device, and a packaging machine, the buffer device comprising a length-variable transport section, and a method for operating a packaging plant according to the invention.

Abstract: Loading caps suitable to mount to product chutes for rucking sleeves of covering material onto a chute body include a conical or frustoconical upper portion.

Abstract: A conveyor system for a filling machine and a method of conveying pasty mass with a corresponding conveyor system and a corresponding filling machine, including a housing with a vacuum opening and a vacuum pump as well as a suction line for generating a vacuum in the conveyor system. A valve means and at least one pressure sensor for measuring the pressure in the suction line and/or in the conveyor system are provided. A control means controls the vacuum in the conveyor system or the suction line, respectively, wherein the cross-section of the suction line is adjusted in response to the measured pressure via the valve means.

Abstract: A cutting valve for portioning a paste-like mass, having a partitioning piston which is drivable in a portioning chamber with an inlet relative to the inlet and which comprises a cutting edge which during partitioning is movable to sweep over the inlet, the partitioning piston is drivable in the partitioning process to perform a helical movement with simultaneous translatory and rotatory movement components, so that the cutting edge carries out a draw cut in the mass strand.

Abstract: An improved processing assembly having a meat emulsion pump connected to a stuffing horn. The stuffing horn positioned to fill casings with meat emulsion which form a strand of processed meat that is received by a twister, then a linker, and subsequently deposited on a conveyor.

Abstract: An improved processing assembly having a meat emulsion pump connected to a stuffing horn. The stuffing horn positioned to fill casings with meat emulsion which form a strand of processed meat that is received by a twister, then a linker, and subsequently deposited on a conveyor.

Abstract: Computer program products for an apparatus with an automated derucker operatively associated with a 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: The invention concerns a method of and a filling apparatus for a machine for filling casings, in particular sausage cases, comprising a filling tube (14) which is drivable and rotatable about its longitudinal axis (12) and on to which can be pulled a case (8) which can be filled by the filling tube (14), and a case brake (26) which is arranged at the open end (22) of the filling tube (14) in a holding frame (24) and which has a brake ring (28) which is mounted rotatably coaxially with respect to the axis of rotation of the filling tube (14) by means of a mounting means (34) and a bearing (32). According to the invention the open end (22) of the filling tube (14) is so designed as to co-operate with the brake ring (28) and the case (8) in such a way that the brake ring (28) is drivable by means of the filling tube (14) in frictional and/or positively locking relationship and a torque can be transmitted to the case (8).

Abstract: Methods 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: The present invention concerns a device (1) for portioning a food product (3) continuously extruded from a filling apparatus, preferably for making meat-base elongated extrusions in form of sausages, frankfurters and the like, wherein two front and opposed pincers (4) carry out a succession of neckings onto the extrusion (3), via outwardly and inwardly reciprocating alternate motions therebetween parallel, carried out by plural gearings, the kinematic motion enabling the pincers (4) to carry out axial displacement s concomitantly to said reciprocating motions, so as to follow the extruded product (3) in the feeding direction thereof and in predetermined lengths which are variable by variably adjusting the angular velocities of said gearings.

Abstract: A feeding device for suspension elements, for feeding flexible suspension elements into a packaging machine, in particular into a clipping machine, wherein the suspension elements are detachably disposed in the form of loops by an adhesive on a carrier strip transversely to the feeding direction and may be conveyed of said carrier strip to a delivery point at which a suspension element may be removed from the carrier strip. In the region of the delivery point for the suspension elements, a holding-down device is provided above the carrier strip.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is a device and a method for the automated monitoring of packaging machines for the production of sausages, the packaging machines having a filling machine (F), a filling pipe (1), a skin brake (2) and a sealing machine (V). The device according to the invention is characterized in that it has a camera (6, 6?, 6?) which supplies an electric image signal, an evaluation unit (7) for the image signal and a switching-off unit (8), which is activated by the evaluation unit, for the filling machine (F). The invention permits automated monitoring of malfunctions of packaging machines for the production of sausages.

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, 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: A cutting valve for portioning a paste-like mass, having a partitioning piston which is drivable in a portioning chamber with an inlet relative to the inlet and which comprises a cutting edge which during partitioning is movable to sweep over the inlet, the partitioning piston is drivable in the partitioning process to perform a helical movement with simultaneous translatory and rotatory movement components, so that the cutting edge carries out a draw cut in the mass strand.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for the production of meat products includes a support structure (12). A container (14) is mounted on the support structure (12). A conveyor (20) has a first, upstream end (20.1) in communication with the container (14) and a second, downstream end (20.2) arranged downstream of the first end (20.2) and outside the container (14). A comb (34) is arranged downstream of the second end (20.2) of the conveyor (20) for working meat pieces conveyed to the comb (34) by the conveyor (20). The comb (34) is operable independently of the conveyor (20). A processing station (40) is arranged downstream of the comb (34), the processing station (40), together with the comb (34), processing the meat to obtain a desired finished product.

Abstract: A method and a device for the closed-loop level control and for the controlled evacuation of paste mass, in particular sausage meat, wherein the vacuum hopper comprises an inlet for feeding paste mass, in particular sausage meat, as well as an outlet for ejecting the paste mast an inlet valve, which is arranged at the inlet, wherein a negative pressure can be produced in the vacuum hopper. In order to influence the degree of evacuation in the inflowing mass, the inlet valve comprises in the open state an inlet gap S for the paste mass, the gap height (h) of which can be controlled to influence the degree of evacuation of the paste mass.

Abstract: A device and a method for the manufacture of sausages from paste mass, in particular sausage meat, with a coextrusion head for coextruding the paste mass and a sausage casing, wherein the coextrusion head comprises a filling tube for the ejection of the paste mass as well as an extrusion die assigned to the filling tube with an extrusion gap for ejecting the easing material. In order to produce strong sausage casings, the filling tube protrudes by a distance X beyond the annular gap so that the casing material is extruded through the annular gap onto the filling tube and solidifies along the filling tube.

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: A device for manufacturing a frusto-conical shaped meat product using mold casing that receives ground meat under pressure. The mold casing has an inner wall, a first lateral end, and a second lateral end. The mold casing has a frusto-conical shape, for forming the meat product into a desired shape and cross section. An end fitting is secured to the discharge end of a meat stuffer. The end fitting includes a plurality of pivotable, flexible, adjacent, partially overlapping fins. The fins pivot as they are moved relative to the mold casing, and in that way maintain contact with the inner wall of the mold casing.

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: The invention relates to a retention device comprising a support bracket that can be moved along a filling tube, for accommodating a brake ring clasped around the filling tube to exercise a frictional force on a tubular casing to be pulled off the filling tube during filling, and further comprising a drive coupled to the support bracket for moving the support bracket back and forth parallel to the filling tube. The drive comprises a crank transmission with a crank that is connected on the driven side to the support bracket.

Abstract: A sausage product and a method for producing the sausage product, wherein the sausage product includes one or more of raw sausages, scalded sausages and cooked sausages.

Abstract: A method of providing a simplification for the removal of a protective casing enclosing a pasty, granular, liquid or solid filling material for forming a product in sausage or bag form, in particular in relation to sausage products, for exposing the filling material. It is further provided that at least one perforation line is introduced into the protective casing, at which line the protective casing can be torn open to pull it off.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing co-extruded food products, comprising the processing steps of: A) co-extruding an elongate dough strand and a casing enclosing the elongate dough strand to form a non-coagulated food product, B) bringing the casing into contact with a salt solution, and C) dividing the encased elongate food strand into individual products, whereafter the co-extruded food products are subjected to an airflow. The invention also relates to a device for manufacturing co-extruded food products.

Abstract: A portioner (100) is described with multiple exits for mincemeat or the like. The portioner comprises a distribution chamber (4) for a flow of material coming from a supply pump (1) and a plurality of exit holes (101). Furthermore, the portioner (100) comprises a plurality of hollow cells (5), one for each exit, each of which is split, by means of mobile separation means (7), into two complementary compartments (5C, 5B), each of which is alternately communicating with said distribution chamber (4) and with the respective exit hole (101) by means of communication and closing means (11) that can be set so that, for each cell (5), one of said compartments (5C, 5B) can be filled with material under pressure coming from said distribution chamber (4), which pushes said means of separation (7) to force the exit of material from the other compartment (5C, 5B) towards the exit hole (101).

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is a device and a method for the automated monitoring of packaging machines for the production of sausages, the packaging machines having a filling machine (F), a filling pipe (1), a skin brake (2) and a sealing machine (V). The device according to the invention is characterized in that it has a camera (6, 6?, 6?) which supplies an electric image signal, an evaluation unit (7) for the image signal and a switching-off unit (8), which is activated by the evaluation unit, for the filling machine (F). The invention permits automated monitoring of malfunctions of packaging machines for the production of sausages.

Abstract: According to this method, the products are produced by continuously co-extruding a bead (B) coated with a starting base comprising hydrocolloids so as to form a skin by calcium gelation when the sausage passes into the elongated gelation bath (2), said bead then being shared out into portions (P) placed in trays (C) Many beads (B) are co-extruded by parallel co-extrusion heads, (1) transit into a common gelation bath (2), are brought side by side so as to then be placed into portions by given means (3) acting on all said beads (B) so as to form batches of identical products perfectly grouped and aligned so as to be loaded into their packaging tray (C).

Abstract: An apparatus and method to net food products in shirred tubular casing, in order to create a highly-dimpled foot product. A filling horn, shir housing, and netting tube allow for the extrusion of food products into an edible tubular collagen film, which itself expands into a netting of a smaller diameter than that of the film. As the food product under pressure expands against the tubular film, it presses through the spaces in the netting to created a dimpled appearance. After the food product has been further processed, the netting is removed, leaving the food product with a highly-dimpled appearance.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a device for the packaging of free-flowing fill materials in a tube-shaped casing with a feeder tube to conduct the flow of fill materials. The feeder tube features a hookup, a mouth, a basically straight first segment adjoining the hookup, with a first longitudinal axis, and a second segment that is conjoined with the first segment and proximate to the mouth. The first segment is designed to accept and conduct a casing on its outer surface. The casing infeed consists of a plastic filmstrip, which is formed into a tube around the first feeder tube segment. The second segment is designed to further conduct the plastic filmstrip-derived, newly formed casing. Alternatively, a supply of casing and/or net material may be loaded onto the second segment from its mouth. Upstream and ahead of the first segment, the feeder tube features a feeder tube swivel bearing (140) around the first longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stuffing/dosing machine comprising a tilting hopper. The machine comprises a hopper with a hermetic cover bearing a screw feeder and a narrowed base which communicates with an antechamber, said antechamber communicating in turn with at least one forming chamber which is connected to an outlet. Moreover, at least one actuated piston performs a stroke with one first section in the antechamber and a second section in the forming chamber. First and second structural units, which are formed respectively by the aforementioned hopper, cover, screw feeder and narrowed base and by said antechamber, forming chambers, pistons and actuation means, can be tilted independently between operating positions and cleaning and maintenance positions in relation to fixed frame comprising the valve and the outlet.

Abstract: A toy stuffing apparatus, including a stuffing drum with a rotating member and a rotating auger below the stuffing drum for transporting the stuffing along the auger shaft and out an exit. Also included is the kit for use in stuffing a stuffed toy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing dry sausages by the successive processing steps of: A) manufacturing a half-finished product which is still to be dried and consists of a skin filled with a sausage filling, and B) drying the half-finished product for a period of more than one day, wherein the half-finished products are moved, optionally intermittently, during drying. The invention also relates to an apparatus for manufacturing dry sausages, comprising means for manufacturing half-finished products consisting of a skin filled with a sausage filling still to be dried, and a container for drying a plurality of half-finished products for dry sausages in a drying space with a frame in which at least one endless conveyor is arranged, which conveyor is provided with a plurality of product carriers and wherein the conveyor with product carriers is displaceable relative to the frame.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring a stick with a food product such as a sausage suspended therefrom includes: a stick supplying device for transferring onto a stick a sausage suspended from a loop forming device and for subsequently supplying the stick with the sausage suspended therefrom to a stick supporting and relaying device; the stick supporting and relaying device for temporarily placing thereon and supporting the stick; the transferring device for transferring the stick from the stick supporting and relaying device to a conveying device; the conveying device for conveying the stick to a stick delivering device; the stick delivering device for sequentially delivering to a swiveling device each leading one of a plurality of sticks which have been conveyed in parallel by the conveying device; the swiveling device for swiveling the stick about a swiveling axis; and a stick taking-off device for sequentially taking off the stick from the swiveling device.

Abstract: In order to be able to accept single sausage portions after leaving the filling machine and to be able to deposit them in an ordered manner with respect to quantity and position, an acceleration device for accepting the sausage portions from a filling machine in a row and for conveying them further, and a transfer device for pushing the single sausage portions sideways from the acceleration device at defined positions.

Abstract: Process and machine for packing pasty, liquid or semiliquid products comprising: nonstop feeding two sheets (1, 2) sandwiching ducts (3) ending in nozzles (4) feeding pasty, liquid or semiliquid products to be packed (M); nonstop longitudinally sealing the said sheets (1, 2) through longitudinal continuous beads (5) adjacent to the said continuous sleeves (6); forming through the said longitudinal sealing narrowings arranged at intervals longitudinally regular in the said sleeves (6) making possible the passage of the said ducts (3) and defining in the sleeves (6) long, wide lengths (8) and short narrow lengths (9); nonstop injecting with nozzles (4) material (M) within the said sleeves (6) which are inflated forming units (28) of material (M) with prior pressure closing of a narrow length (9) each sleeve advanced to each nozzle (4) while the sheets (1, 2) are moving forwards, and pressure closing and transversally sealing at regular intervals the said sleeves (6) filled with material (M).

Abstract: A method and system for producing portions of ground meat having a predetermined target weight is disclosed. This system includes a pump assembly that is capable of extruding a stream of ground meat, a conveyor that is capable of transporting the stream of ground meat from the pump assembly, a portioning mechanism that is capable of separating the stream of ground meat into a plurality of portions, a weighing mechanism that is capable of weighing each portion of the plurality of portions, and at least one filling mechanism that provides an additional amount of ground meat to each portion of the plurality of portions so that each portion of the plurality of portions can substantially attain the predetermined target weight.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and associated devices for casingless production of food products include: (a) providing a series of shells, the shells having sufficient structural rigidity to define an enclosed cavity space of predetermined substantially constant size and shape; (b) injecting a quantity of flowable food emulsion into the shells in serial order; (c) moving the shells forward along a predetermined travel path with the emulsion in the enclosed cavities; (d) exposing the emulsion in the shells to predetermined processing conditions that alter the emulsion held in the respective shells to a non-flowable edible food product having the molded shape of their respective shell cavities; and then (e) releasing the non-flowable food products from their respective shells.

Abstract: A method and cutting device makes incisions in an elongated food product, like a hot dog or sausage, to form a pattern or character after the product is cooked. One form of the cutter includes a hinged housing into which the food product is positioned. The housing includes blades that contact and cut the food product as the housing is closed. Another form of the cutter includes a wheeled cutter and a rack. The wheeled cutter includes gear teeth that permit the rack to be drawn under the wheel as the wheel engages gear openings formed in the rack as the wheel rotates. A food product positioned on the rack is cut by blades on the wheel as the rack travels under the wheel.

Abstract: A high capacity food processing system, including for an elongated strand of food product such as hot dogs, sausage links, etc., has first and second loading stations with serial accumulators enabling intermittent stopping of the loading operation, which is a necessary and normal part of use, without disrupting a downstream thermal process, and enabling differential conveyor velocities through the loading stations, including a loading velocity for loading food product on the conveyor, a bypass velocity during intermittent non-loaded conveyor segments, and a transport velocity through the processing station, wherein the transport velocity is less than the bypass velocity and greater than the loading velocity, and where the transport velocity remains constant and the same during both of the loading and bypass velocities of the conveyor at the loading stations and also remains constant and the same during stopped movement of the conveyor at the loading stations.

Abstract: An extrusion attachment for sausage making machines have three connection concentric tubes with the inner tube defining a first passageway, the space between the inner restrictor and intermediate second tubes comprising a second first passageway, and the space between the outer third tube and the intermediate second tube defining a third second passageway. The diameter of the inner restrictor tube is small so that meat emulsion passing into the inner restrictor tube is subjected to a higher pressure than that of the pressure in the second first passageway. The lower pressure meat material in the second first passageway is thinly coated on the strand of the high pressure meat material extruded from the inner restrictor tube. A thin layer of collagen material is extruded from the third second passageway for deposit on the outer surface of the meat layer extruded from the second first passageway.