Systems with horns that extend into netting chutes and having cooperating deruckers for producing encased products and related devices, methods and computer program products
US7488243B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 31, 2005 |
| Grant date | Feb 10, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 11, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA22C11/0227
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.