Abstract: A deodorant/antiperspirant solid stick form product, formed and extruded from a mold having a cavity in the shape of the desired stick and within said cavity a threaded shaft axially oriented therein and rotably mounted at the bottom side through an aperture. An elevator platform is threadably mounted to the base of the threaded shaft. Chemical product is then poured into the mold in its liquid or molten state. Upon cooling, the product solidifies and takes on the shape of the cavity of the mold. Reverse rotation of the threaded shaft advances the elevator platform and its now attached stick out of the mold and into a thin walled recyclable refill package. The body of the package is in the shape of the stick, one end is closed and has a sealed vent aperture, the other end is open, broadened and sealed. An empty dispenser (now with its used up stick elevator platform removed and discarded) is coupled to the refill containers open broadened end in a close fitting engagement.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for forming a hermetically sealed package for a slice of a food item. A web of thermoplastic material is first formed into a tubular arrangement with a hermetic longitudinal seal. To form the tubular arrangement, means are provided for folding a continuous web of thermoplastic material into V-folded condition and for continuously forming a hermetic seal along the open longitudinal edge of the V-folded web. The hermetic seal is formed between the inner surfaces of the front and rear faces of the web to define a tubular web member. The food item which has been formed into a soft mass, is then inserted into the tubular member and the tubular member is flattened to form a thin film tube. Means are provided for forming a hermetically sealed cross-seal which are disposed substantially transverse to the longitudinal forward moving direction of the web.

Abstract: A semiconductor device comprising a semiconductor unit with leads extending therefrom is placed on a bottom packaging tray having a die-shaped upper surface. A top lubricating type film is used over the device 10 and below a punch unit that is used to bend the leads. A process of assembling the semiconductor device on a die type package is disclosed which includes placing the semiconductor device with leads on a packaging tray with upper lead-shaped baring surfaces, placing an anti-friction film sheet over the tray and over the device with its leads extending therefrom, and actuating a punch unit disposed above the film sheet, thereby forming or bending the leads and simultaneously using the die type tray for packaging the semiconductor device.

Abstract: A continuous casting and packaging mechanism in which a continuous body web of plastic material is fed to a station where molds are formed in the continuous body web. Casting material is extruded to the body web. A continuous cover web of plastic material is fed to overlie the body web. The cover web and the body web are sealed together to form a laminate. The superimposed webs are cured and molds are then remove from the webs. The mechanism may also be provided with a film heater to heat the body web, a mold release applicator to deposit a release the molds and mechanisms to place inserts into the molds as well as other mechanisms which may be used with the machine to continuously cast molds.

Abstract: An apparatus is reported for shaping an end of a solid cosmetic stick such as a deodorant or antiperspirant. The apparatus operates through a method that includes the steps of filling a package body with a molten cosmetic composition, solidifying the composition into stick form, heating a mold or package cap, elevating the stick to extend the package body opening, and contacting an end portion of the stick with the heated die or cap. A pattern such as a trademark or logo may be molded through this process onto the end portion of the stick.

Abstract: A cheese transfer system is adapted for receiving a column of cheese as it is discharged from a continuous cheese making system. The cheese transfer system has an expandable chamber into which the cheese is introduced. The chamber is then compressed to clamp the cheese for maintaining the cheese in the configuration developed by the tower. The chamber is then introduced into a shipping and storage container, after which the chamber is expanded and withdrawn from the container to release the cheese. The cheese is then allowed to expand fully into the container by settling.

Abstract: A process for shaping an end of a solid cosmetic stick such as a deodorant or antiperspirant. The process includes the steps of filling a package body with a molten cosmetic composition, solidifying the composition into stick form, heating a mold or package cap, elevating the stick to extend the package body opening, and contacting an end portion of the stick with the heated die or cap. A pattern such as a trademark or logo may be molded through this process onto the end portion of the stick.

Abstract: A rolled food item is fabricated by advancing food (14) and a sheet of support material (16) between the rollers (18, 20) of a strip sheeter (12) where the food (14) fills grooves (24) of the first roller (18) to deposit the food (14) in continuous strips on the support material (16). After passing through a cooling tunnel (58), the support material (16) is also cut into strips between the strips of food (14) in a first cutting section (62). The multiplicity of strips are then cut to lengths in a second cutting section (64). Labels (68) are secured to the trailing ends of the strips and the trailing ends of the strips are pressed by a label presser (70) to adhere the labels (68) to the strips. The strips are simultaneously rolled in a roll-up section (74) including a rotatable fork (76). Specifically, after the leading ends of the strips are inserted between the legs (78, 80) of the fork (76), the fork (76) is rotated to roll the strips on the fork (76).

Abstract: A can star drive for a fish-canning machine in which a turret 11 and can star 75 are separately driven, with the can star 75 being rotated through its 120.degree. advance in each cycle during half again as much time as it takes for the turret 11 to advance through its 120.degree. advance. The slower rate of rotation of the can star 75 reduces the exit velocity of the filled cans as they are discharged from the machine to avoid ejection of fish from filled cans. In addition, the can star 75 rotates through its 120.degree. continuously in a one-step advance, rather than through a two-step advance with an intermediate stop as in prior machines.

Abstract: In order to effectively and efficiently produce patties in a machine, particularly at a high rate of speed and while maintaining a consistent level as to the quality of production, a patty machine is disclosed which includes a casting, a ram, a mold plate, and a drive system. The casting has a cavity which is adapted to receive a material to be formed into a patty at an inlet located intermediate opposite ends thereof. The ram is reciprocably disposed within the cavity at a point upstream of the inlet, and the mold plate is reciprocably disposed relative to the cavity at a point downstream of the inlet. With this arrangement, the drive system imparts simultaneous reciprocating movement to the ram and the mold plate. The mold plate may cooperate with a knockout assembly where both the mold plate and the knockout assembly are driven through a hydraulic system in a coordinated fashion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for packing a meat product, such as ham, in foil, in which a mould is used to accommodate a bag-shaped foil. The apparatus includes a first support member for supporting the bag and the mould. A mechanism is also provided for turning-down the collar of the bag around the top edge of the mould. A second support is provided for supporting the mould containing the bag-shaped foil filled with meat product together with a second mechanism for turning-up the collar of the bag. A third support is provided for supporting the mould with the filled bag-shaped foil, and a sealing appliance is provide for sealing the collar.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for packing a meat product, such as ham, in foil, in which a mould is used to accommodate a bag-shaped foil. The apparatus includes a first support member for supporting the bag and the mould. A mechanism is also provided for turning-down the collar of the bag around the top edge of the mould. A second support is provided for supporting the mould containing the bag-shaped foil filled with meat product together with a second mechanism for turning-up the collar of the bag. A third support is provided for supporting the mould with the filled bag-support foil, and a sealing appliance is provide for sealing the collar.

Abstract: A paper interleaver for a food patty molding machine of the kind using a mold plate cyclically reciprocating along a linear path between a fill position and a knock-out position comprises a shuttle connected to the mold plate for synchronous movement along a linear path between a transfer position and a pickup position. When the mold plate is at its knock-out position and the shuttle at its pickup position, the shuttle pulls a single paper sheet from the bottom of a storage stack by vacuum; when the mold plate and shuttle are at their respective fill and transfer positions, the shuttle "puffs" the paper sheet up a very short distance to be held by downwardly facing vacuum ports of a fixed paper holder frame, essentially immune to clogging from the food product particles and juices present at the knock-out position. A molded patty subsequently moves down through the frame to pick up the paper sheet when the mold plate returns to the knock-out position.

Abstract: With the device and method, ground meat is pumped through an elongated discharge tube into a plastic bag at the bottom of a frustoconical-shaped mold casing. The mold casing cooperates with a pneumatic or air inflatable elastic resilient piston that causes the meat being pumped through the discharge tube to be packed tightly down to a desired texture. As more meat is pumped into the bag and mold casing, the piston when inflated has a varying diameter and the mold casing moves axially downward with respect to the resilient piston to allow for more room for meat in the mold casing and bag until a point is reached where the discharge tube along with the inflated piston are forced out of the mold casing by downward movement of the mold casing.

Abstract: To fill a container and produce and package portions of spreadable food products in multiple layers, such as differing types of processed cheeses, an apparatus is provided which has means for metering the spreadable food products, compartments for the separate and alternate shaping of layers of differing products and means for ejecting and guiding the layers into a container. Units are also provided for preparing the container upstream of the filling apparatus and for applying a tear strip to the container, and units are provided for applying lids and for sealing the filled container downstream of the filling apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for packing a meat product, such as ham, in foil, in which a mould is used to accommodate a bag-shaped foil. The apparatus includes a first support member for supporting the bag and the mould. A mechanism is also provided for turning-down the collar of the bag around the top edge of the mould. A second support is provided for supporting the mould containing the bag-shaped foil filled with meat product together with a second mechanism for turning-up the collar of the bag. A third support is provided for supporting the mould with the filled bag-shaped foil, and a sealing appliance is provided for sealing the collar.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for handling cheese, including a base and a turntable mounted on the base. The turntable has cutout recesses in the periphery thereof for moving molds in a circular locus. A platform is provided on the base for supporting the molds as they are being moved in a circular locus. The base includes stations. A filling and weighing station is provided on the base whereby curd is filled into the molds and weighed to a predetermined level. A compacting station is also provided on the base whereby the curd in the molds will be pressed to remove the air therefrom and packs the cheese within the molds. The recesses and the turntable are in registry with the stations on the base.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a wax-like cosmetic stick having an improved contour on its upper surface, by filling at the open bottom of the case with the stick material in a molten state, the case having a cap which provides the contour, allowing the stick to partially solidify, while maintaining the upper surface molten, placing a push-up device in the bottom of the case, seating the push-up device against the molten upper surface, said push-up being designed to allow substantially all of the air to escape during seating, then allowing final solidification of the stick.

Abstract: Deformable products (that is, resizable products) which are within preformed packages are resized by the application of mechanical forces so that the products substantially conform to the size and shape of the inside surface of the package. Such resizing is accomplished by an apparatus and method utilizing a pressure generating member to apply a preselected force to the product in cooperation with a restrained cavity concept, whereby the force applied is directed and restrained to resize the product to substantially the same size and shape as the inside surface of the package. Such apparatus and method may be useful before, during or after closing the package.

Abstract: A method is provided for vacuum packaging a molded meat product in a cook-in bag that includes the steps of vacuum stuffing a substantially deaerated moldable meat product into a thermoplastic bag lining a cooking mold, the bag having a length greater than the mold to define a bag neck; substantially removing any meat from the bag neck; and then, while still under vacuum, gathering and clipping the bag neck. Associated apparatus for carrying out the method is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously forming a stuffed product characterized by tube means for feeding a pliable product into a casing; conveyor means for carrying the encased product from the tube means; pincher means for squeezing the encased product at intervals to form twisted links; means for cutting the twists between the links; and means for transferring the links from the conveyor means to a package receptacle.

Abstract: To produce and package portions of spreadable food products, for example differing types of processed cheese, in multiple layers, the layers are shaped individually in shaping compartments by keeping them separate and, while being ejected, they are guided individually to the bottom of a pre-shaped shell and substantially all traces of spread are eliminated from the shaping compartments.The apparatus comprises a unit for the separate metering of each group of layers of the same nature (7), for the separate and alternate shaping of the layers, for the ejection and guidance of the layers into the shell (5, 6); units for applying a tear strip for quick opening (2, 3) and for stamping a shell (4) upstream of the metering unit (5) and, downstream thereof, units for applying lids (11), for following back the edges (12), for fixing the edges (13) and for removing the packaged portion (14).

Abstract: A continuous molding machine (10) for forming two chains (55) of soil plugs (50) for use in germinating seeds or otherwise growing plants. A continuous sheet of paper (22) is corrugated to conform to a series of mold elements (14) and a reaction mixture (32) of polymerizing agent and soil slurry is added over the paper to conform to the mold element shape. Another sheet of paper (38) is added over the top of the mixture (32) and the entire assembly is then passed under a series of pressure belts (42, 44, 46) during which time the mixture (32) is cured. The chain of soil plugs (50) which emerges from the pressure belts (42, 44, 46) is encased on both sides by paper (22, 38) and may be cut to provide a pair of separate soil plug chains (55).

Abstract: Apparatus for stuffing meat into a casing mounted on a horn comprising a pair of plates mounted in facing relationship, on one of which plates the horn is mounted, and on the other a meat supply conduit, together with a ram. The plates are relatively movable between a first station at which the conduit and horn are in communication, and a second station at which the ram and conduit are in communication, the ram serving to extrude meat contained in the horn into the casing. A knife is inlaid into one or both plates to sever meat bridging the horn and conduit when the plates are relatively moved. In the preferred embodiment the plates are mounted on an elongated shaft for rotary movement, and the shaft is itself mounted so as to be axially movable, so as to transmit a clamping pressure to retain the plates together. When the clamping pressure is released the plates can be relatively moved along the shaft for cleaning and maintenance purposes.

Abstract: For cyclically charging the filling tube of a sausage stuffing and closing machine with ready-for-stuffing tubular casing lengths, a tubular casing material flatly wound upon a supply roll is first withdrawn, opened and, in respectively one section length, drawn upon a support. Thereupon the drawn-on casing section is divided off the material cord and, along with the support, is placed ahead of the charging tube for conveyance thereto while at the same time, a new casing section is drawn onto another support to repeat these working steps in permanent alternation of the two supports. The invention resides in that each support after being placed ahead of the charging tube along with the casing section drawn thereonto is pushed in the same direction in which the drawing onto the support was performed beforehand, onto the charging tube up to the stopping means, whereupon the support is advanced in the same direction, pulled out of the retained casing section and, finally, removed laterally.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for processing and forming meat for cooking on a vertical rotisserie. The apparatus is utilized in conjunction with a standard meat grinding/mixing system. A portion of the apparatus attaches directly to a standard ground beef mixer such that the rotating motion of the mixer worm is utilized to force meat into a conical mold. Manipulation of a vent allows air to exit and the ground meat to easily enter the mold. Once the meat begins to exit the vent, the vent is closed, causing the meat to be packed into the conical mold by the mixer worm. The mold is then detached, inverted and the pre-measured, conical piece of packed beef is easily removed. A rod within the conical mold forms a skewer hole for future skewering on the vertical rotisserie.

Abstract: A conveyor belt of medium-soft thick material is advanced, and a film of polymer material is laid thereon to advance therewith. A moldable material, usually a food material, is extruded onto the advancing base film. A portion-forming wheel having portion cavities around the periphery thereof is positioned with its portion cavities facing the conveyor belt. A cover film is fed onto the portion-forming wheel and is preferably drawn into the portion cavities. As the conveyor belt advances, the portion cavities cut the extrusion of moldable material into individual portions which are enclosed by the two films as the conveyor belt advances. The portion cavities have portion-cutting walls therebetween, and a ramped area around the cavity squeezes all of the moldable material into the portion cavities.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding hypodermic needles into corresponding recesses of a mold cavity in the bottom mold plate of a plastic injection molding machine. The bottom mold plate can be shifted from a molding position to a loading position at one side of the machine. At that side of the machine, a magazine holding two stacks of hypodermic needles is slidably adjustable horizontally with respect to a shuttle plate mounted on that side of the machine. The magazine at the bottom has lower and upper plates slidable respectively across the bottom and top of the shuttle plate. In one position of the magazine, openings in its upper bottom plate register with corresponding openings in the shuttle plate to pass individual needles by gravity into the shuttle plate.

Abstract: An ultra-light structure is produced by continuously molding a green sand core, forming a material in the mold pattern in the core which solidifies to form a solidified framework, removing the green sand core and wrapping the resultant solidified framework structure in a material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a food packing machine which includes the following components: a piston mounted for reciprocation during an operating cycle between a pair of limit positions toward and away from a cake forming cavity, for compressing food material in the cavity; bias apparatus for exerting pressure on the piston to provide compression pressure on the material, the bias apparatus including a resilient material mounted to the piston, and a seat to which the resilient material is also mounted to effect a resilient mounting between the piston and the seat; and pressure relief apparatus for selectively urging the set away from the piston to reduce the bias thereon upon reception of a predetermined signal. The machine normally also includes a sensor for sensing when the machine is deactivated, and a signal device for providing the signal to the pressure relief apparatus when the sensor determines that the machine is deactivated.

Abstract: In the making of sausages wherein a continuous web of plastic sheet is supplied and formed into a tubular wrapper about a filling tube, the wrapper is filled with sausage meat, and the filled tubular wrapper is intermittently closed to form sausages, the improvement which comprises controlling the filling and closing steps in dependence upon the amount of unfilled formed tubular wrapper waiting to be filled. An apparatus therefor is provided, including a stop displaceable longitudinally along the filling tube against a spring, the stop actuating certain switches as it moves back and forth along the filling tube, the switches controlling the supply of plastic sheet, filling supply and closing of the sausages.

Abstract: A method for the preparation and packing of food products, in particular fish products of long keeping quality, includes disintegrating and sterilizing the fish and allowing the sterilized fish mass to coagulate under pressure in a forming and filling pipe. An inside cross-section of the filling pipe corresponds to the cross-section of the packing container wherein the product is to be packed. The forming and filling pipe is provided, moreover, with cut-off elements and flaplike shut-off elements to make possible the separation and feeding out of the product from the forming and filling pipe to the packing containers.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and process is disclosed which is adopted for controlled displacement of chunk, sectioned and formed meat products during a forced meat encasement process. More particularly, the improved apparatus and method of the instant invention provides a truncated internally conical extending meat former apparatus disposed between the filling nozzle and stuffed casing of a meat casing machine to control the relative displacement of meat which is forced through a filling nozzle into a meat casing to a predetermined arrangement.

Abstract: A packaging system for encapsulating an article within a solid foam material. An article to be encapsulated is supported on a base. A wall enclosure is disposed on the base to form a mold cavity. At the top of the base and above the article to be encapsulated is a cover. Expandable plastic foam in liquid form is introduced into an orifice of the base and the expandable plastic foam advances through a passageway in the base and is discharged from an orifice in the base into the mold cavity to encapsulate the article. The foam material in liquid form solidifies into a solid plastic foam material for packaging the article.

Abstract: This invention teaches a method of cutting a narrow slot in an extrusion die with an electrical discharge machine by first drilling spaced holes at the ends of where the slot will be, whereby the oil can flow through the holes and slot to flush the material eroded away as the slot is being cut. The invention further teaches a method of extruding a very thin ribbon of solid highly reactive material such as lithium or sodium through the die in an inert atmosphere of nitrogen, argon or the like as in a glovebox. The invention further teaches a method of stamping out sample discs from the ribbon and of packaging each disc by sandwiching it between two aluminum sheets and cold welding the sheets together along an annular seam beyond the outer periphery of the disc. This provides a sample of high purity reactive material that can have a long shelf life.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuously producing fish meat processed food which is produced by preparing fine filaments from paste-like fish meat and bundling a number of said filaments. The continuously producing apparatus comprises a solidification device for solidifying paste-like fish meat into thin web-like fish meat, a first cutting device for cutting the solidified fish meat lengthwise to form fine filament-like fish meat, a collection device for collecting the filament-like fish meat while transporting the same, a bundling device for successively urging and fixing filaments of the collected fish meat while transporting the same into the desired diameter, a packaging device for packaging the bundled fish meat with a packaging film, and a second cutting device for cutting the packaged fish meat into the desired axial length.

Abstract: A package forming apparatus which produces containers by means of molding thermoplastic material. A mold having a fixed cross-section but a variable length mold cavity is provided by a mold core having a bottom ring means outer shell unit in operative association with the mold core but which is movable axially of the mold core to vary the operative length of the mold and a removable top end plate is provided for the mold cavity.

Abstract: A distribution device for a butter filling system is disclosed. The distribution device receives fluent pressurized butter from a butter filling system, distributes the butter and discharges it from a plurality of outlets into a carton being filled. The distribution outlets are disposed about the periphery of the device to insure uniform filling of the carton.

Abstract: A pastry and dumpling maker for shaping and forming filled pastries, such as dumplings and the like, including a pair of cooperating mold sections which define therebetween a particular pastry shape to be formed. The mold sections are relatively moved into cooperative engagement with each other after the pastry is formed. A flexible strap is suspended above the mold sections and supports a dough skin with a filling placed thereon. As the mold sections are brought into cooperative engagement, a center portion of the flexible strap, together with the dough skin and filling, move downwardly between the mold sections, whereupon the dough skin is folded over the filling and sealed by the mold sections into the particular pastry shape. The shaped pastry is then removable upon separation of the mold sections.

Abstract: Volume batcher for fluent materials, particularly suitable for high speed packaging machines of filter-bags for infusion products such as tea, camomile and similar which comprises a cylindrical drum provided with radial pockets rotating about an horizontal axis below a feed hopper of the product to make up. A filter paper strip is made adherent advance with the cylindrical surface of the drum closing said pockets from the top dead center to the bottom dead center from where it horizontally continues with the quantities of product on it to a packaging station. Said pockets have a volume variable structure by means of a cylinder shaped inside hollow piston member in communication with atmosphere and with at least the radially most outer head perforated.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for producing encased meat or the like and meat or the like for encasing, one of the methods disclosed comprises the steps of: conveying the meat or the like along a linear path and maintaining the linear path from a first point where the meat is dispensed from a stuffer or the like to a second point where the meat is in a form for encasing. The apparatus also serves as a portioner for providing uniform portions of the meat or the like being handled, the apparatus further including adjustment means for controlling the length of the portions produced.

Abstract: Ice cream lollies of complex shapes are produced by a die pressing operation, whereby a prefrozen and deformable lolly body is placed between a pair of die tools. The bodies to be die shaped may be either conventionally produced bodies as prefrozen about a stick, in which the body is held during the shaping operation, or they may be lumps of extruded prefrozen material, whereby a preparatory conventional mold freezing can be avoided. The die tools may be used additionally for concurrently providing and sealing an envelope about the final product, thus finishing it as a sales product.

Abstract: Deformable products (that is, resizable products) which are within preformed packages are resized by the application of mechanical forces so that the products substantially conform to the size and shape of the inside surface of the package. Such resizing is accomplished by an apparatus and method utilizing a pressure generating member to apply a preselected force to the product in cooperation with a restrained cavity concept, whereby the force applied is directed and restrained to resize the product to substantially the same size and shape as the inside surface of the package. Such apparatus and method may be useful before, during or after closing the package.

Abstract: A molding apparatus and method for molding patties of ground raw meat and the like that has a hopper for holding a supply of the meat, a mold having a patty shaped mold cavity, a ram equipped pressure chamber into which the meat is moved from the hopper and from which it is forced into a patty shaped mold cavity in the mold, means for moving the mold between a filling position for the cavity and an ejecting position for removal of the patty from the cavity and a lever system for moving the mold, meat transfer means in the hopper and the pressure ram all without substantial lost motion in order to avoid noise pollution that is an unwelcome side effect of machines such as patty molding machines that use such lost motion connections to provide pauses between relatively operating parts.

Abstract: A food packing machine employing a piston for compressing and preparing a cake of food for canning. The piston rides reciprocally in a carrier which is cam driven toward and away from a cake-forming cavity, wherein the piston acts against food particles. Operation of the carrier and piston, as the latter moves initially into the cavity's entrance, is characterized by nonyieldable biasing, or driving, of the piston into the cavity. Immediately thereafter, a spring which is interposed between the carrier and piston promotes continued, but now yieldable, drive of the piston into the cavity.

Abstract: A press for forming and shaping foodstuffs. The press has an extrusion die containing a plurality of open ended elongated passages and a V-shaped common inlet. Attachments to the press provide a convenient and easy method of further processing rough sized extruded foodstuffs.

Abstract: A method of pressing and draining whey from cheese curd. In particular, this method is made suitable for producing large blocks of cheese. A container mold having an internal drain screen is filled with cheese curd particles. Pressure is then applied to the cheese curd draining whey into the drain screen and out of the container mold. The container mold is then inverted and the internal drain screen is removed and another application of pressure is used to close any remaining voids within the cheese curd. The container mold is then sealed and prepared for shipping.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for automatically providing a predetermined portion of a meat product in a casing, and for automatically closing and clamping closed the open end of the casing. The apparatus includes a portioning piston and cylinder arrangement including a second piston and cylinder arrangement which regulates the speed of the first piston and cylinder arrangement. Meat product is fed to the portioning cylinder from a source of the meat product by a valve arrangement, and the valve arrangement then passes the meat from the portioning cylinder to a horn. The portioned product is inserted in a casing whose end is automatically clamped closed after the complete portion is inserted in the casing.

Abstract: A packaging apparatus for enveloping an article in a sleeve-type package includes a rigid elongate tube of U-shape and, in use, substantially horizontally oriented with one end secured to a table-top mountable support, the member being otherwise free-standing and having at its other end a cylinder of greater diameter than the tube and within which articles to be packed are locatable. The tube serves as a magazine for a sleeve of netting fed thereonto. The outer end of the sleeve is tied and the sleeve is removed from over said cylinder by an article such as a roll or piece of meat, located in said cylinder, being discharged therefrom, the sleeve being cut at the outer end of said cylinder when the sleeve-enveloped article is remote therefrom, and then tied. The article is discharged from the cylinder by a free-moving piston located therein and operated by air fed through the tube from a supply of compressed air.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming, interleaving and dispensing meat patties has a chopped meat feeding unit which supplies meat to a continuously cycling molding apparatus to form meat patties. An interleaving paper dispensing apparatus positions individual sheets of paper on support means beneath the output point of the meat patty molding mechanism so that each meat patty formed will be interleaved between separate sheets of paper. The support means for the interleaved patty are actuated by the weight of the patty to rapidly withdraw, causing the patty and interleaving sheet to fall and form a stable stack.