Abstract: The disclosure relates to a device for constricting and/or separating a sausage strand moving in direction of transport with two separating devices which in relation to sausage strand are disposed opposite one another, each comprising: a disk mounted to be rotatable about a first axis, a disk arranged thereabove mounted to be rotatable about a second axis with an axis spacing from first axis, at least two connecting elements, at least one of which comprises a displacement element, where a first end of respective connecting element is mounted to be rotatable in first disk at a respective distance r from first axis and a second end in second disk is mounted to be rotatable at same distance from second axis, where connecting elements are guided such that at least one displacement element, during its rotation about first axis, is always aligned at a predetermined angle relative to direction of transport.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a clipping machine for producing sausage-shaped products, like sausages, containing a flowable filling material in a tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing, the machine comprising a filling tube configured to feed filling material into the casing, and further comprises closing tools arranged downstream the filling tube, for closing the casing in a closing region. A housing is provided, enclosing at least the closing region, comprising at least a front wall and a first side wall, wherein the front wall is arranged at least substantially parallel to a longitudinally extending axis of the filling tube, and further comprises an opening which can be closed by a movable door element, movable between an open position, allowing access to the closing region and a closed position, covering and blocking access to the closing region.

Abstract: A one-piece adaptor that fits directly onto the output end of a nozzle of a sausage stuffer, to quickly, inexpensively and easily facilitate the application of natural casings onto the stuffer nozzle without the use of any additional, complicated, specialized equipment.

Abstract: A slicing machine for slicing meat strands that have a cross section that varies over a longitudinal extension in large numbers and as quickly as possible into weight precise slices. In one embodiment, two meat strands are received adjacent to each other in a respective form tube and pushed against a respective separately adjustable stop plate independently from each other by a controlled longitudinal press plunger and compressed in the longitudinal direction. In addition, a cross section of the form tubes may be reduced in a first transversal direction jointly and in a second transversal direction independently from each other and thus the respective meat strand is transversally compressed to a constant cross section prior to slicing.

Abstract: A filling tube assembly for being mounted to a clipping machine for producing sausage-shaped products. The filling tube assembly comprises a mounting unit for mounting the filling tube assembly to the clipping machine and a filling tube for feeding flowable filling material into the packaging casing. The packaging casing is being consumably arranged on the filling tube. The filling tube is pivotable relative to the mounting unit at least between a production position and an interchanging position. The filling tube assembly further comprises a casing brake unit, a casing brake holder and a casing brake for being reversibly coupled to the casing brake holder. The casing brake is moveable between a braking position and a releasing position by a pivoting and translational action. In the releasing position, the casing brake is pivoted away from the filling tube, so that unfilled packaging casing can be loaded onto the filling tube.

Abstract: A filling tube assembly for being mounted to a clipping machine for producing sausage-shaped products. The filling tube assembly comprises a mounting unit for mounting the filling tube assembly to the clipping machine and a filling tube for feeding flowable filling material into the packaging casing. The packaging casing is being consumably arranged on the filling tube. The filling tube is pivotable relative to the mounting unit at least between a production position and an interchanging position. The filling tube assembly further comprises a casing brake unit, a casing brake holder and a casing brake for being reversibly coupled to the casing brake holder. The casing brake is moveable between a braking position and a releasing position by a pivoting and translational action. In the releasing position, the casing brake is pivoted away from the filling tube, so that unfilled packaging casing can be loaded onto the filling tube.

Abstract: A stuffing tube mounting assembly and follower includes an elongated member with a tapered portion at one end that fits within a tapered end of a stuffing horn. The stuffing horn is inserted through a bore of a collar. The bore of the collar has a tapered section that engages the tapered end of the horn when the collar is attached to the member. The follower has a housing having a bore. An opening in a sidewall of the housing is in communication with the bore. Disposed within the bore is a wiper. A cap having a central opening in an end wall is attached to the housing.

Abstract: A stuffing tube centering device for concentric alignment of the stuffing tube to a casing stick and a corresponding method, and where two oppositely disposed centering members movable towards each other between which the stuffing tube can be held and centered.

Abstract: A stuffing tube mounting assembly and follower includes an elongated member with a tapered portion at one end that fits within a tapered end of a stuffing horn. The stuffing horn is inserted through a bore of a collar. The bore of the collar has a tapered section that engages the tapered end of the horn when the collar is attached to the member. The follower has a housing having a bore. An opening in a sidewall of the housing is in communication with the bore. Disposed within the bore is a wiper. A cap having a central opening in an end wall is attached to the housing.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes a stuffer horn with spray system for elimination or reduction of pathogen contamination. One embodiment of the invention combines a stuffer horn with spray nozzles for the application of a safety intervention solution while the product is being placed into a bag. The stuffer comprises a horn with pivoting top jaw and fixed bottom jaw that funnels product into a bag that is placed over its nose and a cylinder that forces the product through the horn and into the bag. One implementation can include a cylindrical horn having a flexible overlapping side wall adapted to increase or decrease the inner diameter.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of applying dry ingredients to a meat includes a stuffing horn with separate flow channels. An outer elongated flow channel is configured to have tubular casings disposed therearound. An inner elongated flow channel is disposed within the outer elongated flow channel. A first inlet is configured to introduce a meat stream into the inner elongated flow channel. A second inlet, connected to the inner elongated flow channel, is configured to introduce dry ingredients into the conduit between the outer and inner elongated flow channels. At the end of the stuffing horn, the inner and outer elongated flow channels are configured to create a void space around the meat stream where the dry ingredients are deposited onto an outside surface of the meat stream prior to the meat stream being deposited into a tubular casing.

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: Computer program products are configured to allow dual operational modes of packaging systems to produce encased products using interchangeable first or second horns.

Abstract: A detecting structure for a stuffing apparatus includes: a stuffing nozzle having a material discharge port and a photoelectric sensor for detecting a terminating end of a casing loaded on an outer periphery of the stuffing nozzle, wherein the photoelectric sensor is accommodated in a protective case having a transparent portion, and a first air supplying arrangement for supplying air into the protective case is provided on the protective case. Further, the first air supplying arrangement may have an air nozzle which is provided in the protective case and jets air toward an inner surface of the transparent portion. Still further, second air supplying arrangement may be provided for supplying air toward an outer surface of the transparent portion. Furthermore, third air supplying arrangement may be provided for supplying air toward the 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: A filling joint arrangement for a filling medium which is capable of flow, in particular for a sausage meat, including a first filling pipe portion with a first filling pipe axis and a second filling pipe portion with a second filling pipe axis, wherein the second filling pipe portion is reversibly pivotable from a filling position in which the second filling pipe axis is aligned with the first filling pipe axis into a tilted position in which the second filling pipe axis is out of alignment with the first filling pipe axis, and further including a joint device which is disposed in filling medium-tight relationship between the first and the second filling pipe portions and which has a first joint receiving portion connected in filling medium-tight relationship to the first filling pipe portion and which includes a joint intermediate portion which has a third filling pipe portion with a third filling pipe axis and which is held pivotably by the first joint receiving portion in such a way that it is reversibly

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 method for rapid loading of casing-bearing sleeves on the stuffing tube of a sausage machine, provides for placing the preloaded sleeves on a feeder mechanism and selectively and sequentially moving the sleeves into registering position with the discharge end of an emulsion stuffing tube; sequentially moving the stuffing tube into each of the sleeves and extruding emulsion through the stuffing tube into the casing mounted on the sleeve until the sleeve is slidably removed from the tube caused in part by the movement of emulsion entering the casing. The apparatus has a fixture suitably movably mounted on the machine with a plurality of preloaded sleeves thereon for sequential movement for selective alignment of the sleeves with the stuffing tube for sequential filling of the casings with emulsion.

Abstract: A filling mechanism which does not dehydrate or deoil the stuffing, comprises a main frame on which is mounted a hopper and a hose, the hopper guiding the stuffing into the hose, the hose having a front end positioning part that is tightly fixed; a pushing device for guiding and pushing the stuffing, the pushing device being mounted below the hose and including a transverse seat plate on the upper surface of which is disposed a slide rail, a slide seat slidably displaceable along the slide rail, a pneumatic cylinder disposed on the slide seat, and a fixing plate mounted on the upper portion of the pneumatic cylinder, the pneumatic cylinder having a piston rod which can shuttle back and forth out of the fixing plate; and a transverse roller member having two side arms by which the roller member is pivotally onto the fixing plate, whereby upon raising the piston rod and displacement of the slide seat, the roller member rolls and presses against the hose, causing the hose to be partially deformed and the stuffin

Abstract: A stuffing tube mounting assembly has an elongated barrel with a forward end terminating in a cylindrical barrel portion. A hollow elongated stuffing horn having a rearward end is detachably telescopically mounted on the barrel portion. Interlocking surfaces on the rearward end of the stuffing tube and the barrel portion hold the tube and the barrel in only a single radial orientation with respect to each other to maintain an inlet port in the side of the stuffing tube in a predetermined fixed position with respect to the barrel. The interlocking surfaces are elongated registering grooves in the stuffing tube and the barrel portion.

Abstract: A casing lock mechanism, for a sausage stuffing machine, which reduces the risk of damage to a sausage casing during a sausage extruding operation. The casing lock mechanism includes a chuck member that holds a pair of jaws having jaw holes that surround a nozzle or stuffing horn. The chuck member is connected to the nozzle so that it rotates at the same time, in the same direction, and at the same speed as, the nozzle. The chuck member holds the jaws so that when rotated it imparts a centrifugal force to the jaws thereby causing them to move radially outward to lock a sausage casing to the outside of the nozzle. Because the nozzle does not rotate during an extruding portion of the sausage stuffing cycle, no centrifugal force is imparted to the jaws which thus assume a free state wherein they do not lock the sausage casing to the nozzle. Therefore, pressure on the sausage casing during the extruding cycle is reduced, thereby reducing the tendency to overstress and tear the sausage casing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reusable cartridge for manufacturing a skinless sausage, having a tubular middle section and at least one adjoining sealing end made of a flexible synthetic material, whereby the middle section of the cartridge is formed integrally with the sealing end.

Abstract: A stuffing tube mounting assembly has an elongated cylindrical barrel with a longitudinal center axis and forward and rearward ends. The barrel has a first barrel portion at the rearward end, a second barrel portion at the forward end, and an intermediate barrel portion in between the first and second barrel portions. The first and second barrel portions have outer surfaces concentric with the longitudinal center axis. The intermediate barrel portion has an outer surface with a center axis parallel to but eccentrically offset from the longitudinal center axis. A hollow elongated stuffing horn has a rearward end detachably telescopically mounted on the second barrel portion. A hollow collar has a longitudinal bore extending therethrough comprised of an eccentric bore portion and a concentric bore portion. The concentric bore portion extends around and embraces the rearward end of the stuffing tube mounted on the second barrel portion of the barrel.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for filling casings for a machine for filling sausage casings, with a filling pipe (14) driveable and rotatable around its longitudinal axis (12), onto which pipe a casing (8) fillable through the filling pipe (14) is pulled, and a casing take-along apparatus (30) that is rotatable simultaneously with the filling pipe (14) for rotating the casing (8). According to the invention, the casing take-along apparatus (30) is arranged so as to be axially movable relative to the filling pipe (14) and, for transmitting a torque, is coupled to the filling pipe (14) in an essentially interlocking manner.

Abstract: A separating device for the filling in and the clipping of products which may have been melted and then resolidified, solid, in the form of a paste or dense of different size, to be interposed between the metering machine of the product to be filled in such as a machine which divides the product in different portions and the clipping machine is characterized by the fact that it has a substantially tubular structure (1) and in the proximity or at the extremity of the feeding conduit (2) of the product to be filled in (3) is provided with a plurality of cutting blades preferably in the number of two cutting blades (4) and (5). The cutting blades are disposed radially, preferably diametrically on the feeding conduit. The blades are reciprocally independent one from the other and are arranged one close to the other and at least one of the blades is capable of rotating angularly around the longitudinal axis (8) of the feeding conduit (2).

Abstract: The invention provides a meat product comprising extruded inner core of meat substrate and one or more co-extruded outer layers wholly or partly around the core, wherein at least of the outer layers consists of a meat or fat emulsion; characterized in that the fibres within the meat or fat emulsion layer are distributed substantially uniformly within the emulsion layer and are disoriented, so as to improve the cohesiveness of that layer. The invention also provides an extrusion nozzle for forming the meat product of the invention.

Abstract: The present application provides a cooked, extruded meat product comprising a meat extrudate having an outwardly facing surface, which meat extrudate is impregnated with an additive in an additive zone which extends inwardly from the surface to a depth of at least 1 mm, typically 1-5 mm. Said meat product may comprise a co-extruded layer of fat or meat emulsion disposed circumjacent the meat layer or core. The present invention also provides a method of making such an extruded meat product and apparatus for the same.

Abstract: A wall panel on a sausage encasing machine has a plurality of apertures with corresponding indicia marks indicating the direction of the apertures. The apertures match sizes of outside diameters of sausage stuffing tubes usable with the machine. This permits the operator to know that a given aperture has a corresponding given diameter. When the casing has been chosen for a sausage run on a particular machine, the operator selects a stuffing horn of a diameter that he or she believes to be appropriate for the casing being used. If a stuffing tube having a diameter of 0.576 of an inch is required, the operator takes the tube that he or she has selected and inserts it through the aperture on the machine that has a 0.576 inch indicia mark adjacent thereto. If the stuffing tube in the operator's hands is loose in the aperture selected, or if it will not even go into the aperture selected, the operator will know immediately that the wrong stuffing tube has been selected.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus which permit continuous stuffing of tubular food casing without stopping the stuffing operation to replace food casing on the stuffing horn. The method comprises placing a first shirred food casing strand onto a stuffing horn. An end portion of the food casing is then extended over the open end of the stuffing horn and the end portion is closed. The stuffing horn is suspended within the food casing by means of a first suspension means engaging the outer surface behind the shirred food casing and foodstuff is injected into the stuffing horn through a hole in the first suspension means which mates with a first inlet hole in the stuffing horn so that foodstuff flows through the stuffing horn into the food casing. A subsequent food casing strand is then placed onto the stuffing horn over the stuffing horn closed end and the stuffing horn is clamped by means of a second suspension means engaging the stuffing horn behind the subsequent food casing strand.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of processes for preparation of foodstuffs in sacks, in particular mortadella, and precisely it relates to a process for forming food in sacks which provides, subsequently to an extrusion of a principal mixture, fo an extrusion of a second mixture internal to the principal mixture and designed to give identification to single slices of the product with a well-defined design formed by extrusion of the second mixture.

Abstract: A method for stuffing a tubular food casing to reduce trapped air in the finished product. The method comprises placing a shirred stick of food casing on a stuffing horn having an exit end through which food product flows into the casing, withdrawing a leading end portion of the casing over the exit end of the horn, closing the leading end portion, sealing the casing against the horn, drawing a vacuum within the tubular food casing, conducting food product through the exit end of the stuffing horn into said tubular food casing while maintaining the vacuum to stuff a portion of the food casing while withdrawing more casing over the exit end of the stuffing horn, and closing the food casing behind the stuffed portion of the food casing.

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 combination homogenizer-vacuum loader for a machine that stuffs meat product into a casing which includes an upright cylindrical chamber that can be evacuated and an agitator assembly that is rotated inside the chamber. An entrance port with a sliding gate valve is located on the side of the chamber so that when the valve is opened, ground meat is drawn by vacuum into the chamber. An exit port is located on the floor of the cylinder. The agitator assembly is detachably mounted on one end of a spindle having its other end external to the chamber for attachment to a drive means. A number of agitator assemblies are provided, each having a configuration designed to homogenize a particular meat product having its own consistency, depending on content of fat, moisture, and fiber. A ring seal features three elastomeric seals operating in combination to provide a reliable vacuum seal between the homogenizing unit and the meat stuffing machine.

Abstract: Sizing apparatus (10) for handling and casing of a flowable material such as meat is provided in order to produce individual, loose-filled casings (98) having product evenly distributed along the lengths thereof. The apparatus (10) preferably includes an elongated, tubular horn (16) having a discharge end (20) and adapted to receive a length of casing material (21) thereover. A tunnel device (14) having an inlet end (32) is situated closely adjacent the discharge end (20) and is oriented to receive the forward ends (96) of partially filled casings (98), in order to evenly distribute the meat as the casings (98) are formed. Separable voider jaws (24, 26) and a clipper (28) are employed for clipping the ends of the casings (98). The tunnel device (14) preferably includes rollers (40, 64) at the inlet end (32) thereof, with pickup conveyor assemblies (50, 70) downstream of the rollers (40, 64) which receive and continue the conveyance of the casings (98 ) through and out of device (14).

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for manufacturing sausages or the like including a nozzle for stuffing a material such as a meat emulsion into a casing for sausages or the like, a pump for supplying the material into the nozzle, and a casing engaging member having a portion for engaging with the casing and adapted to rotate while braking the casing. The apparatus includes a device for driving the casing-engaging member, the device including a housing, a rotary member accommodated rotatably inside the housing and adapted to rotate the casing-engaging member with the casing-engaging member fixed therein, a bearing for rotatably supporting the rotary member, a sealing device for preventing the entrance of a foreign substance such as the material into the bearing, and a rotation transmitting device for driving the rotary member, the bearing having a sealing member for sealing a lubricant for the bearing in the bearing.

Abstract: A preferred sizer (10) for stuffing flowable materials such as sausage into a flexible casing (24) includes a horn assembly (12) having inner and outer concentric tube (28, 34) presenting an evacuation chamber (46) therebetween connected to a vacuum source (50a) for deaerating material within the inner tube (34). The tubes (28, 34) are shiftable relative to one another between an open position in which the chamber (46) communicates with the interior of the inner tube (34) through an open space (48) adjacent the discharge ends (30, 36) of the tubes (28, 34) for evacuating air from material within the inner tube (34), and a closed position in which the open space (48) is sealed to prevent communication between the chamber (46) and the inner tube (34) interior thereby preventing entry of material into the chamber (46).

Abstract: The present invention solves the problem of clogging in the case of an apparatus for conducting a pasty mass, preferably sausage meat, under feed pressure through a tube, which carries said mass and the interior of which communicates via an annular groove and an annular gap with an external supply means for a lubricant which is to be forced under high pressure between the inner wall of the tube and the surface of the pasty mass, said problem being solved in such a way that an inner annular recess of the tube has arranged therein a sleeve-shaped sliding piston, the end face of which is acted upon by the lubricant in an annular groove, said sliding piston being adapted to be axially displaced within said inner annular recess against the force of a pretensioned spring in such a way that, in the case of low lubricant pressure, it closes the annular gap by means of an annular shoulder provided on the end face and protruding axially beyond the the annular groove in said end face and that, in the case of high lubric

Abstract: An apparatus for encasing a product in a curved casing and the like and which includes an encasing machine having a stuffing tube including a discharge end which has a plurality of apertures, and wherein a product to be encased in pumped through the stuffing tube and exits the discharge end and moves generally normally relative to the longitudinal axis of the stuffing tube, and a selectively rotatable chuck assembly is borne by the encasing machine and includes a first end having a unitary wall which is substantially circular in shape, and a second end which is discontinuous, and wherein a curved collagen casing to be filled, upon exiting the chuck assembly, moves generally radially outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis of the chuck whereby the collagen casing is maintained in a proper attitude such that the casing is filled with the product to be encased, and wherein the stuffing tube is adapted to fold the product being encased against the wall of the collagen casing being filled such that the deleter

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming stuffed food products having one flat end by cutting a slit in a food casing forward of a stuffing horn and inserting an end flattening disc directly into the casing through the slit. A fixture at the end of the stuffing horn holds the disc while the slit casing is drawn forward to clear the slit away from the disc. The casing is then gathered and closed to capture the disc within the casing. On stuffing, the pressure of food product forces the disc to release from the fixture to form a flat leading end of the stuffed product.

Abstract: A stuffing method and apparatus utilizing a trio of stuffing horns mounted on a turret. Two of the horns are in stuffing positions and the production of stuffed products alternates between these two horns wherein stuffed casing from one horn is closed while casing is being stuffed at the other. The third horn is available for receiving a supply of casing and is moved into a stuffing position by indexing the turret.