Patent ID: 6725631
Filing Date: 2004-04-27
Classification: A22C,B65B

Abstract:
Apparatus for removing a filmic casing from an elongate package to recover product contained in the casing, the package having first and second ends and the apparatus including:a transport mechanism for receiving the package and moving the package along an operating path with said first end leading; a cutting station positioned relative to the transport mechanism to cut the casing transversely to form a transverse slit extending partially through said package between said first end and said second end and adjacent to said first end of the casing, and to cut the casing longitudinally of the casing starting at the transverse slit to form a longitudinal slit extending longitudinally towards said second end; a stripper positioned to meet the package as the package progresses longitudinally from the cutting station, the stripper including a gripper to grab said first end in advance of said transverse slit and an actuator operable to move the gripper transversely to drag the filmic casing away from the packaged product so that the product can be collected.