Importance

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Abstract

A method and an apparatus which permit continuous stuffing of tubular food casing without stopping the stuffing operation to replace food casing on the stuffing horn. The method comprises placing a first shirred food casing strand onto a stuffing horn. An end portion of the food casing is then extended over the open end of the stuffing horn and the end portion is closed. The stuffing horn is suspended within the food casing by means of a first suspension means engaging the outer surface behind the shirred food casing and foodstuff is injected into the stuffing horn through a hole in the first suspension means which mates with a first inlet hole in the stuffing horn so that foodstuff flows through the stuffing horn into the food casing. A subsequent food casing strand is then placed onto the stuffing horn over the stuffing horn closed end and the stuffing horn is clamped by means of a second suspension means engaging the stuffing horn behind the subsequent food casing strand. Foodstuff is then injected into the stuffing horn through a hole in the second suspension means which mates with a second inlet hole in the stuffing horn so that foodstuff flows through the stuffing horn into the food casing. The first suspension means is then disengaged so that the stuffing horn is suspended by said second suspension means and the first hole in the first suspension means. The strands are connected together. The first suspension means is engaged when sufficient casing has been used so that the subsequent strand passes the first inlet hole and the subsequent strand replaces the first strand. Foodstuff is then again injected into the stuffing horn through the first suspension means, the second suspension means is disengaged and another subsequent food casing strand is placed onto the stuffing horn over the stuffing horn rear end. The above steps are repeated for so long as stuffing of food product continues. The apparatus comprises means for practicing the steps of the above method.

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First Claim