Importance

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Abstract

An improved casing brake mechanism (10) is provided for selectively engaging and braking the movement of a casing (14) applied over a casing horn (12) during filling of the casing (14). The mechanism (10) includes a pair of resilient, laterally spaced apart, obliquely oriented, annular casing-engaging rings (16, 18) which are selectively compressed and caused to engage a casing (14) by means of a thrust assembly (20) including a pair of separate, co-acting thrust elements (62, 68); the thrust elements (62, 68) are moved in a direction generally parallel with the longitudinal axis of horn (12) by means of a source of pressurized air (P). A remotely actuatable, three-position valve (80) is preferably employed, which allows alternate and selective connection to the pressurized air source (P), an atmospheric vent (A), and a source of vacuum (V). In this manner, the thrust elements (62, 68) can be selectively moved for compressing the rings (16, 18), or the operating pressure may be relieved via vent (A) or source (V). A shifting assembly (90 ) may be coupled with brake assembly (10) for translatory movement of the latter between a forward braking position and a rearward sealing position preventing passage of air entrapped between the casing (14) and horn (12) into the confines of the latter; an annular sealing element (92) is provided on the horn (12) which is cooperable with the braking assembly (10) when the latter is moved to its sealing position.

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First Claim