Patent ID: 6878053
Filing Date: 2005-04-12
Classification: A22C

Abstract:
1. An automated winder for an elongated product, comprising: an elongated arm having an associated length and opposing first and second end portions, wherein, in position, said first end portion is adapted to receive an elongated item thereon from an extrusion and/or stuffer device located upstream of the automated winder, and wherein the second end portion is configured to release the elongated item therefrom after the item travels a desired distance over the length of the arm away from the extrusion and/or stuffer device; and a winding mechanism attached to said elongated arm a distance from said first end portion, said winding mechanism configured to cause said elongated arm to travel repetitively in a desired motion pattern so that, in operation, the winding mechanism causes the arm to release the elongated item in a manner that winds the elongated item about a suitably aligned transfer support member so that the one or more elongated products are looped about a suitably positioned transfer support member to define a plurality of suspension contact regions that are axially generally horizontally spaced apart on a respective single transfer support member.