Automated pepperoni casing end-cutting and stripping station
US6468143B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 22, 2001 |
| Grant date | Oct 22, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 22, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA22C11/003
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An end-cutting and stripping station for removing casings from sausages is disclosed. The station comprises a carousel having end-cutting units spaced around its perimeter. The carousel is connected to a conveyor, each unit receiving a sausage as the conveyor advances. Each unit includes a sausage support and a carriage slidably mounted below the support. An actuator is connected between the carriage and the carousel. As the actuator retracts, sensor fingers on the carriage slidingly engage a sausage on the support. When the finger tips reach the bottom end of the sausage, the fingers move inwardly, actuating a control valve and halting the carriage. A casing cutter is then actuated to cut off the lower end of the casing above the finger tips. As the conveyor exits the carousel, a pair of stripper bars positioned below the conveyor engage the tops of the sausages and force them out of the casings.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.