Patent ID: 6705063
Filing Date: 2004-03-16
Classification: A22C

Abstract:
A segmenting device for portionable filling in a flexible tubular casing, comprising crimping elements which together circumscribe an opening of variable size and are bent twice, into a Z-shape, the parallel legs of the Z shape being spaced apart substantially the thickness of the crimping elements and which elements can be swiveled against each other so as to overlap each other and be symmetrical with respect to the axis of the opening with the Z bends extending along radial lines with respect to the central axis of the opening in the open and closed positions of said elements and which, by reducing the opening, operate to crimp a filled tubular casing placed in the opening, the crimping elements being comprised of strips having two ends, the first ends of which are stationarily pivotally mounted with equal spacings on a circle concentric with respect to the axis of the opening, while their second ends are guided in a ring which is likewise concentric with respect to the axis of the opening and which can be rotated around the axis to a limited extent, such that the second ends of the crimping elements extend in a chord-like manner and can perform both swivel and longitudinal movements with respect to the ring, wherein at least three crimping elements are provided, having active surfaces which face the opening and are bent or curved in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the opening.