Automated extraction of casing clips from cooked meat products
US7377842B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 7, 2003 |
| Grant date | May 27, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 9, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA22C11/003
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method apparatus for removing a casing, particularly a casing with a clip end embedded in the product, is disclosed where the clipped end is clamped and gas is injected into this end to blow out the clip and casing end while the clamped portion prevents the entire casing from being inflated. The air or gas, such as HEPA filtered air, is injected into the product with a needle, for instance, to balloon out the casing in the clamped area to free the previously embedded clip. The clip is then gripped, certain cuts are made in the casing, and the casing is pulled from the product. An injector such as a needle is inserted into the end portion of the product and pressurized gas, such as HEPA filtered air, is injected into the end portion. The injection of the gas causes the casing to balloon out from the product thereby freeing the previously embedded clip. The freed clip is then gripped while the casing is then cut for removal. The casing may be cut in a Y-shape with two cuts beginning approximately at two corners of one side of the square end and angled towards each other along a side of the product. The two cuts meet, and a third cut is made longitudinally along the length of the pr…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.