Patent CA-1325919-C (CA)
Title: Semi-automatic stuffing machine, casing brake and turret assembly
Inventor: EVANS ALFRED J
IPC: A22C11/00
Filed: 1989-09-25
Granted: 1994-01-11
Abstract: ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE        An  improved  stuffing  horn  and  casing  brake combination in a stuffing machine comprises a stuffing horn defining a second horn portion with second-horn-portion outer dimensions reduced in comparison to the first-horn-portion dimensions of a first horn portion. A  casing  brake  mechanism  intermittently  brakes  the movement of casing from the stuffing horn past a horn discharge opening by applying tension to the casing on the horn, and has a first brake portion and a second brake portion, where the brake portions have internal dimensions  sized  relative  to  the  horn-portion dimensions for applying tension to casing on the horn between both brake portions and only the first horn portion, or between only the second brake portion and the first horn portion, when either the second brake portion is, or both portions are, in a braking position relative to the first horn portion.  A full braking is applied to the casing by both brake portions and a reduced braking is applied to the casing by only the second brake portion, which provides for full tension and braking during product stuffing and reduced tension and braking during product clipping.  A stuffing horn turret assembly includes a turret assembly body,  and separate stuffing horns where the turret assembly body defines a cylindrical central passage and cylindrical branching passages.   The  central passage defines a central passage centerline, and the branching passages, which  are  in  open  communication  with  the  central passage, are each angled at an acute angle relative  to the central passage and the central passage centerline. The separate stuffing horns each has a first portion defining a first portion passage substantially parallel to the  central  passage  and  a  second portion which defines a second passage in open communication with the first portion passage, is angled at the acute angle relative  to  the  central  passage,  and  is  in  open communication with  a branch passage. The assembly further comprises collars releasably fastened to the turret assembly body along the branching passages and retaining the stuffing horns to the turret assembly body.   A product discharge tray is supported and its movement directed by a mechanical linkage.  A powered actuator mechanism drives the mechanical linkage, and a product recognition mechanism initiates action of the actuator mechanism.    Under  power  of  the  actuator mechanism,  the  discharge  tray is  directed  by  the mechanical linkage in a bidirectional motion, e.g., in a) the direction of discharge, and simultaneously in b) a direction transverse to the direction of discharge. While  the  tray  is  moving,  a  leading  edge  of the discharge tray climbs an adjacent guide mechanism to cause the tray to tilt.  Product on the tray is moved away  from  the  stuffing  horn,  permitting  rapid continuation  of  stuffing,  and  yet  discharged  after minimal movement in an orientation collinear with the discharge axis of the horn, substantially at the same height as the discharge axis of the horn.