BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to food processing machinery, more particularly packaging machines such as stuffing machines of the type which make sausages and similar stuffed meat and stuffed food products, and most particularly, to a stuffing machine incorporating a stuffing horn turret assembly, casing brake and discharge tray mechanism.

Sausage making and the making of similar stuffed meat and food products have become highly automated. As a result of significant, valuable research in the United States, a variety of machines have been successfully developed for the automated and semi- automated production of stuffed sausages, meats, and foods. One such machine is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,142,273 issued March 6, 1979 to Robert W. Gay and assigned to Rheem Manufacturing Company, New York, N.Y. In a machine such as that disclosed in the identified patent, sausage material is pumped from a vat to a stuffing horn turret assembly. The assembly has multiple stuffing horns, and sequences the horns through servicing, stuffing and sausage end clipping positions. Shirred casing is applied over the end of a stuffing horn in the servicing position, and in the stuffing position of the horn, the casing and material pumped to the horn leave the horn simultaneously, through a casing brake. The stuffing material fills the casing and the casing maintains the material under slight pressure. The casing brake permits the casing to exit under uniform tension. Adjacent the casing brake, a clipping mechanism intermittently acts to

void the casing past the brake and clips the stuffed casing, to define the end of an exiting product and the beginning of the next product. A representative, highly desirable clipping mechanism is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,001,926 issued January 11, 1977 to Clyde R. Velarde and assigned to Rhee Manufacturing Company, New York, N.Y. The exiting product exits onto a discharge tray, from which the product is dropped to a conveyor line or for manual handling. Discharge occurs by a rolling, downward and lateral discharge to a level below the machine working height.

Another notable machine is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,675,945 issued on June 30, 1987 to Alfred Evans et al. and assigned to Tipper Tie, Inc., Apex, N.C. In the machine of the identified Evans patent, a mechanism is provided for movement of the casing brake, to intermittently relieve tension on the casing during clipping of product. While the machines of U.S. Patent No. 4,142,273 and U.S. Patent No. 4,675,945 have proven highly desirable, significant opportunity has existed for improvement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a principal aspect, the present invention comprises an improved stuffing horn and casing brake combination in a stuffing machine. The combination comprises a stuffing horn defining a discharge opening, adapted to receive casing, and having two specialized portions. The specialized portions are a first horn portion and a second horn portion, where the first horn portion has first-horn-portion outer dimensions and the second horn portion has second-horn-portion outer dimensions which are reduced in comparison to the first-horn-portion dimensions. The combination further comprises a casing brake mechanism for intermittently braking the movement of casing from the stuffing horn past the discharge opening by applying tension to the casing on the horn, and also having two specialized portions. The two specialized brake portions are 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.

The stuffing horn and casing brake mechanism are mounted. on the machine for movement relative to each other to and from a stuffing position of the casing brake means and the stuffing horn and to and from a clipping position of ^~ the casing brake means and the stuffing horn. In the stuffing position, the first

brake portion and the second brake portion are both in a braking position relative to the first horn portion and both cooperate with the first horn portion for applying tension to the casing. In the clipping position, the second brake portion remains in a braking position relative to the first horn portion and it, but only it, cooperates with the first horn portion for braking casing.

With this combination, a full braking may be applied to the casing by both brake portions and a reduced braking may be 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. -- In another principal aspect, the invention comprises a stuffing horn turret assembly which 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.

In another principal aspect, the invention constitutes an improved product discharge tray for a stuffing machine which satisfies the needs of such a device uniquely, in a minimum of space, and with benefits and advantages not previously attainable. A full understanding and appreciation of the invention and its objects, benefits and advantages is best obtained by a full appreciation of the invention in the context of the art.

In summary, the invention includes a discharge tray, a mechanical linkage supporting and directing movement of the tray, a powered actuator mechanism driving the mechanical linkage, and a product recognition mechanism for initiating 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. The tray tilts. Product on the tray is moved away from the stuffing horn, permitting rapid continuation of stuffing, and yet discharged after minimal, gentle movement in an orientation collinear with the discharge axis of the horn, substantially at the same height as the discharge axis of the horn. As preferred, and as will be described in detail, the mechanical linkage preferably comprises a parallelogram linkage. Also as preferred, the actuator mechanism comprises a rotary actuator driving a middle link of the parallelogram linkage at a vertical-axis

pivot connection, and the tray is mounted to the links of the linkage for pivoting about horizontal-axis pivot connections. Recognition of product by the product recognition mechanism causes the rotary actuator to initiate; the actuator then cycles the mechanical linkage and tray through discharge, and a return to starting positions.

These and other principal aspects the invention are more full appreciated by a reading of the detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention, which follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The accompanying drawing illustrates the preferred embodiment of the invention, and the machine of the drawing is not the only form which the invention as claimed may take. The drawing and the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment are intended to limit the claims only as consistent with the law of claim interpretation, whereby claims are interpreted in light of the specification and drawing. For orientation of the reader to the drawing, and for ease of beginning of reading of the following description, a brief description of the drawing is as follows:

Figure 1 is an overall perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the invention, which is a sophisticated semi-automated stuffing machine;

Figure 2 is a side elevation view of the machine of Figure 1, with portions sectioned and additional portions broken away to reveal internal detail; Figure 3 is a top plan view of a product discharge tray of the machine of Figure 1, in a product receiving position;

Figure 4 is a top plan view of the product discharge tray, in a discharging position; Figure 5 is a top plan view of a portion of the machine of Figure 1, sectioned and broken away to reveal internal detail, with the stuffing horn turret assembly and casing brake located to place a stuffing horn and the casing brake in stuffing position; Figure 6 is a top plan view of the same portion of the machine of Figure 1 as in Figure 5, again sectioned and broken away to reveal internal detail,

with the stuffing horn turret assembly and casing brake located to place the same stuffing horn and the casing brake in clipping position;

Figure 7 is a top plan view of the same portion of the machine of Figure 1 as in Figure 5 and Figure 6, again sectioned and broken away to reveal internal detail, with the stuffing horn turret assembly and casing brake located to place the stuffing horns in servicing position; Figure 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of the machine of Figure 1, taken along line 8-8 of Figure 7, and depicting a yoke which drives the stuffing horn turret assembly in axial movement;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the stuffing horn turret assembly;

Figure 10 is a rear end view of the stuffing turret horn assembly;

Figure 11 is a split cross-sectional view of the stuffing horn turret assembly, depicting the assembly in the servicing position of the horns below centerline

11-11 and depicting the assembly in the stuffing position of a horn above the centerline 11-11;

Figure 12 is an end elevation view of the machine; Figure 13 is a diagrammatic view of the clipping mechanism and turret assembly of the machine;

Figure 14 is a detail, cross-sectional view of the casing brake and a stuffing horn of the machine in a stuffing position; Figure 15 is a detail, cross-sectional view of the casing brake and a stuffing horn of the machine in a clipping position;

Figure 16 is a detail, end elevation view of the

product discharge tray mechanism of the machine, in a product receiving state of operation, as in Figure 5;

Figure 17 is a detail view of a mounting of the product discharge tray; and Figure 18 is a detail, cross-sectional view of the product discharge tray mechanism of the machine, in a product discharging state of operation.

The description which follows refers to the componentry of the machine in such spatial terms as ^■ •upper", "lower ¹¹ "left", "right", etc. Terms such as these, which depend of the specific spatial orientation of the components are intended for the aid of the reader, and except as incorporated into the claims, not as a limitation on the possible orientation of components in any possible alternate, but covered, embodiment of the invention.

DETAII_ED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

U.S. Patent Nos. 4,001,926; 4,023,238; 4,142,273; 4,675,945 and 4,766,713 are incorporated by reference. Referring to Figure 1, the preferred form of the invention is embodied in a stuffing machine generally designated 10 and shown in a static, non-operating condition. The appearance of the machine 10 is ornamental in its streamlining, and may be protected by design patent. The machine 10 includes a stuffing horn turret assembly 12, including multiple stuffing horns 14, 16, 18. Comminuted material to be cased enters the machine from the right in Figure 1, under pressure of a pump (not shown and not a part of the invention) . The material, as shown at 20 in Figure 5, exits a stuffing horn, as casing 22 stored on the horn also exits, forming a cased product 24 on a product discharge tray 26. In the area designated 28 in Figure 1, a clipping mechanism, shown diagrammatically at 30 in Figure 13, intermittently clips voided casing to form ends of discharged products and beginnings of next products. Clips are fed to the clipping mechanism, through the machine, from a pancake tray 32 atop the machine. Hinged translucent guards 34, 35, 36 protect the machine operator and increase sanitation. All the foregoing is mounted atop a base or frame generally 38, atop wheels.

As stated, the machine 10 is semi-automatic. The machine relies upon operator input at control panel 40 to direct turret movement during start up for casing loading and horn filling. Once loading is complete the operator places the controls in an automatic mode and

initiates a cycle start function. This action starts the system on an automatic mode in which all movements are controlled automatically by electro/pneumatic control devices. Product size is controlled by either portion control contained within the filler (not shown; not a part of the invention) or length measurements via a trip paddle 39 (Figure 18) . Operator installation of casing on the horns, while in the servicing position, is also required. Activation, and de-activation, is provided by control 42, also through pneumatics.

Referring to Figures 5-11, the stuffing horn turret assembly 12 includes a turret assembly body 44. The stuffing horns 14, 16, 18 are components separate from the body 44, held in place by collars 46, 48, 50, as hereinafter described. A yoke 52 includes a ring portion 54 fitted over an exterior groove of the body 44. The body is rotatable relative to the yoke 52. The yoke, also depicted in Figure 8, extends to a remote portion 56. Intermediate the ring portion and the remote portion, a multiple cylinder drive is attached to the yoke 52.

The turret assembly body 44 is mounted on a manifold tube 58, for movement along the tube. As can be seen by comparing Figures 5, 6, and 7, the turret assembly 12 is movable among at least three axial positions. Movement is under the power of the multiple cylinder drive attached to the yoke 52. The turret assembly is also removable, by removal of pins 57, 59. A yoke guide rod 60 affixed to the frame extends parallel to the manifold tube 58. The remote portion 56 of the yoke 52 is slidable along the guide rod 60. The multiple cylinder drive attached to the yoke 52 includes a first yoke drive cylinder 62, and a second

yoke drive cylinder 64. The cylinders 62, 64 and their cylinder rods extend parallel to the manifold tube 58 and the guide rod 60. A first cylinder rod 66 of the first cylinder 62 is affixed at its remote end to the frame. A second cylinder rod 68 is affixed at its remote end to the yoke 52. While the rods 66, 68 are non-extended, i.e., retracted, the yoke 52 and turret assembly 12 occupy forward positions as in Figure 5. Extension of the first rod 66 from its cylinder 62 drives the yoke 52 and the turret assembly 12 to middle positions as in Figure 6. Extension of the second rod 68 from its cylinder 64 drives the yoke 52 and the turret assembly 12 to rearward positions as in Figure 7. A turret rotary actuator 70 is connected by a drive belt 72 to a sprocket 74. The actuator 70 is mounted to the frame 38. The sprocket 74 is rotatable around the manifold tube 58 rearward of the turret assembly 12. The belt extends transversely to the manifold tube 58, and rotation of the sprocket 74 is about an axis collinear with the centerline of the manifold tube 58.

Pins 76 project forward axially from the sprocket 74. As best seen in Figure 10, pin openings 78 are defined in the rearward face of the turret assembly body 44. The pins 76 are sized to project into the pin openings 78, when the pin openings 78 are brought into proximity with the pins 76.

Referring to Figure 7, in the rearward positions of the yoke 52 and the turret assembly 12, the pins 76 project into the pin openings 78. The turret assembly 12 comes under the rotational control of the sprocket 74, and via the belt 72, of the turret rotary actuator 70. Thus, the rotational positions of the horns 14,

16, 18 are determined by the actuator 70. The horns 14, 16, 18 are spaced at equal angles radially, and the actuator 70 is adapted to index the horns 14, 16, 18 through an arc equal to the spacing between two horns. In the rearward position of the yoke 52 and turret assembly 12, the horns 14, 16, 18 are, by definition, in a servicing position. As shown in Figures 1 and 7, the horn can be reached by an operator for placement of casing on the horns, or otherwise as needed. In the forward position of the horns, as with horn 14 in Figure 5, one of the horns, the horn farthest the operator and control panel 40, is brought into a stuffing position relative to a casing brake mechanism 82. In the middle position of the horns, as in Figures 6-18, the same horn as was in the stuffing position is placed in a clipping position, to be described.

Referring to Figure 11, the manifold tube 58 defines an internal, cylindrical manifold passage 84. The turret assembly body 44, formed of Delrin ^tιn , defines a cylindrical central passage 86, which has a centerline 81 (also line 11-11 in Figure 11) . The manifold tube 58 is fitted through the central passage 86, and the manifold passage 84 is collinear with the centerline 81. The turret assembly body 44 also defines multiple branch tubes such as 90, 94 for each horn 14, 16, 18. The branch tubes such as 90, 94 each extend at an acute angle, specifically at approximately 45°, from the central passage 86. A radial opening 96 in the manifold tube 58 provides communication between the manifold passage 84 and a single branch tube of the turret assembly body 44. The radial opening is located to provide communication to the branch tube to which a

horn is in communication when the horn is in the stuffing position.

Each stainless steel stuffing horn 14, 16, 18 is in open communication with a branch tube such as 90, 94. As shown in Figures 9 and 11, each collar 46, 48, 50, formed of stainless steel, is releasably fastened by screw threads into the turret assembly body 44 about a stuffing horn 14, 16, 18 at the external opening of a branch tube such as 90, 94. The collar retains an annular flange of the horn against the body, and thereby retains the horn to the body.

A first portion 98 of each stuffing horn, as shown in Figure 11, extends parallel to the manifold tube 58 and defines a passage parallel to the central passage 86 and manifold passage 84. A second portion 100 of each horn continues from the first portion 98, and extends at the same acute angle relative to the centerline 81 as the branch tubes extend.

Forward of the stuffing horns 14, 16, 18, the manifold tube 58 has a reduced outer diameter. A sleeve 104 is fitted on the reduced diameter portion, and a piston pump 106 is attached to the sleeve 104. The piston pump 106 drives a piston 108 within the manifold tube 58. The piston 108 and piston pump 106 are collinear with the manifold tube 58. Extension of the rod 110 of the piston pump 106 drives the piston 108 toward the radial opening 96 in the manifold tube 58, causing operation in the manner of U.S. Patent No. 4,023,238. A face 112 of the piston 108 is inclined at the same acute angle as the branch tube with which the radial opening 96 communicates, for smoothly directing material from the manifold passage 84 through the radial opening and into the branch tube.

A mechanism as in U.S. Patent No. 4,675,945 (Figures 10 and 11 thereof) reciprocates the casing brake mechanism 82 forward and rearward a short distance. The drive cylinder 62 also moves each stuffing horn, sequentially, to and from the stuffing and clipping positions. Referring to Figures 14 and 15, movement of the casing brake mechanism 82 and horns is co-ordinated. While a horn is in the stuffing position, the casing brake mechanism is also in a forward, stuffing position. While the horn is in the clipping position, the casing brake mechanism is also in a rearward, clipping position. The horn moves farther to the clipping position than the casing brake mechanism moves to the clipping position, and as a result, the horn is farther removed from the casing brake mechanism in the clipping position, as in Figure 15, than in the stuffing position, as in Figure 14.

The casing brake mechanism 82 includes two annular casing brakes 114, 116. The two casing brakes 114, 116 define two portions of the casing brake mechanism. A first of the casing brakes, brake 114, is forward of the second brake, brake 116. As most preferred, the brakes 114, 116 are identical. A first annular fitting 118 slip fits to an outer frame 120 and is used to space casing brakes 114, 116. A second annular fitting 122 screw fastens to the outer frame 120 and retains components 114, 116, 118 within 120. Adjusting annular fitting 122 applies a compressive force to the rear face of casing brake 116 which in turn applies a force to annular fitting 118 which in turn applies a compressive force to the rear face of annular fitting 114. This action adjustably tighten the brakes 114, 116 which will vary the tensions of the casing on the horn. As with a conventional singular

casing brake, each casing brakes 114, 116 tensions the casing shirred on a horn as it exits the horn through the brake. In the case of the two brakes 114, 116, each brake contributes to the required tension while the brake mechanism 82 is in the stuffing position.

In contrast, in the clipping position of the brake mechanism 82, only the second brake 116 provides tension to the shirred casing. The first portion 98 of each stuffing horn includes two segments, a first segment 124, and a second segment 126. The second segment 126 has outer dimensions defined by an outer diameter which are reduced in comparison to the outer dimensions defined by the outer diameter of the first segment 124. The first segment protrudes into the casing brake mechanism into operative association with both the first casing brake and the second casing brake when the casing brake mechanism and stuffing horn are in the stuffing position. The first segment protrudes into the casing brake mechanism into operative association with the second casing brake only when the mechanism and horn are in the clipping position. The second, reduced diameter segment protrudes into the first casing brake when the mechanism and horn are in the clipping position, but does not cooperate with the second brake to provide braking. Protrusion of the second segment in the clipping position assures ready return to the stuffing position by continued guidance of shirred casing past the first brake.

As a result of the configuration of the horn segments and brakes, a full braking is applied to the shirred casing for stuffing, and a partial braking is applied for clipping.

As stated above, and shown in the incorporated patents, the clipping mechanism includes a punch which

drives clips around voided casing against a die to form ends of discharged products and beginnings of next products. The clipping mechanism 30 includes pairs of voider plates (not shown) which define a throat through which the casing passes. The throat has an axial extent parallel to the axial extent of turret assembly 12 and a transverse extent perpendicular thereto. The voider plates narrow the throat about the casing transversely, to gather the casing tightly. Clips are placed transversely.

In a common stuffing machine, a clipping mechanism is located adjacent a casing brake, opposite a stuffing horn. Whatever the movement of the casing brake and horn, the casing brake and horn do not move in the path of the clipping mechanism. In the most preferred embodiment of the subject invention, and in the stuffing position of the brake mechanism 82 and a stuffing horn, both the brake mechanism 82 and stuffing horn are in the path of the clipping mechanism 30. By definition, they are "in" the clipper, i.e., in the "clipping zone". Movement from the stuffing position to the clipping position removes the casing brake mechanism 82 and stuffing horn from the clipper and its path. Also in the most preferred embodiment, movement from the stuffing position to the clipping position, and retraction of the piston pump 106, provide substantially all voiding of the casing, in contrast to voiding being substantially completely accomplished by the voiding plates of the clipping mechanism. Such voiding occurs as pumping of comminuted material is discontinued during movement of the horn and brake mechanism 82 to the clipping position. The piston pump

106 is also retracted, further diminishing pressure on the comminuted material at the opening of the horn.

The movement to the clipping position causes shirred casing to pass through the brake mechanism 82 and extend forward of the horn. Because pumping of comminuted material from the supply is discontinued and the piston pump 106 is retracted, the casing passes through the brake mechanism substantially empty. To any extent comminuted material remains under pressure at the opening' of the horn despite release of pressure at the base of the pertinent branch tube behind the horn, and to any extent comminuted material continues to flow from the horn, the second casing brake 116 provides the important function of preventing backflow to the outside of the stuffing horn in the area of the shirred casing. The casing brake 116 continues a contact with the stuffing horn, confining backflow such that it occurs forward of the casing brake mechanism 82, only. Referring again to Figure l, an improved discharge tray mechanism for the stuffing machine includes the product discharge tray 26, best seen in Figure 1. The tray 26 is elongated in the discharge direction and curved in the direction transverse to the discharge direction (hereafter "the transverse direction") .

Referring to Figures 3 and 4, multiple, parallel, equilength mechanical links 118 are mounted to a tray frame compression member 129 (Figures 16, 18) by first pivots 124 and 128. A mechanical link 120 is attached to a rotary actuator output shaft 161 (Figure 16) and keyed to an output shaft 161 by an output shaft key 163 (Figure 16) . The output shaft 163 constitutes

a first pivot axis 126 for the mechanical link 120 (Figures 3, 4 and 16).

The first pivots 124, 126, 128 mount the links 118, 120, 122 to the frame for pivoting about substantially vertical and stationary first pivot axes 130, 132, 134 (Figure 3). The first pivot axes 130, 132, 134 are aligned in the discharge direction parallel to the discharge axis.

Second pivots 136, 138, 140 (Figures 2, 17, 3, 16, 18) are mounted to the links 118, 120, 122 opposite the first pivots 124, 126, 128, e.g., at the ends of the links opposite the first pivots, for mounting of third pivots 142, 144, 146 (Figures 2, 17, 16, 18) about substantially vertical second pivot axes 148, 150, 152 (Figures 3, 16, 18). The second pivot axes 148, 150, 152 are not stationary, but movable, and aligned in the discharge direction parallel to the discharge axis.

The third pivots 142, 144, 146 are mounted to the second pivots 136, 138, 140, and mount the product discharge tray 26 to the second pivots. The third pivots thereby mount the product discharge tray 26 to the mechanical links 118, 120, 122. Mounting is about substantial horizontal, moving third pivot axes 154, 156, 158, shown in Figure 3.

As the consequence of the mounting, the product discharge tray 26 is movable about the first pivots 124, 126, 128 and simultaneously movable about the third pivots 142, 144, 146, for bidirectional motion, e.g., (a) simultaneous horizontal motion in i) the discharge direction and ii) the transverse direction and (b) simultaneous vertical, tilting movement.

A pneumatic rotary actuator 160 (Figures 2, 16) is mounted on the tray frame compression member 129.

The actuator 160 drives the actuator shaft 161 which forms the first pivot 126, for driving the mechanical links and the product discharge tray 16 about the first pivots between a product receiving location and a product discharging location. The product receiving position is shown best in Figures 5, 3 and 16. The product discharging location is shown best in Figures 4 and 18. As seen by comparing the identified figures, the product discharging location is more remote from the product discharge end of the stuffing horn than the product receiving location, in the discharging direction. Also, the product discharging location is more remote from the discharge axis than the product receiving location, in the transverse direction. Further, the product discharging location is closer a tilt guide (and guard) 162 than the product receiving location, in the transverse direction.

The mentioned tilt guide 162 is a static member mounted on the tray frame compression member 129. The tilt guide/guard 162 is elongated in the discharge direction and extends vertically adjacent the discharge axis. The tilt guide/guard 162 is located in relation to the product discharge tray 26 so as to be contacted by the product discharge tray 26 under the force of gravity, while the product discharge tray 26 is in the product receiving location, and in the product discharging location, and at all locations of the product discharge tray therebetween. The product discharge tray 26 is tilted at an angle, as in Figure 18, sufficient to cause product to roll from the product discharge tray under the force of gravity while the product discharge tray is in the product discharging position. The product discharge tray 26 is positioned, as in Figure 16, to maintain product

thereon while the product discharge tray is in the product receiving position.

Referring to Figure 18, a product recognition paddle 39 includes a paddle face 166 elongated in the transverse direction, and a fourth pivot 168 mounts the product recognition paddle to a mounting block 170 in the path of product exiting the stuffing horn. The paddle 39 is mounted about a substantially horizontal, transverse fourth pivot axis 172 for movement of the paddle upward and along the discharge direction about the fourth pivot axis 172 under the force of product exiting the stuffing horn. (Figure 18 depicts the paddle in static position only.)

The mounting block 170 mounts on the tilt guide/guard 162, to the tray frame for movement along the discharge direction. This mounting provides for variable placement of the product recognition paddle 39 along the discharge direction. A releasable fastener 174 releasably fastens the mounting block 170 on the tilt guide/guard 162 to the tray frame.

A spring 176 is located between the product recognition paddle 39 and the mounting block 170. The spring 176 biases the paddle 39 in position to be contacted by product. An electrical switch 178 (Figure 2) is mounted to the mounting block 170 adjacent the product recognition paddle 39. The switch 178 is tripped by the product recognition paddle 39 upon pivoting of the product recognition paddle, under the action of product exiting the stuffing horn. The electrical switch 178 is connected to the rotary actuator 160 via the control circuit for supplying power from a power source to the rotary actuator.

Product exiting the stuffing horn is received by the product discharge tray in the product receiving position. The product recognition paddle can be positioned to recognize finished product of desired length exiting the stuffing horn. In operation of the proferred product discharge tray mechanism, finished product exit the stuffing horn, the casing break, and contacts the product recognition paddle. This contact causes the paddle 39 to rotate about fourth pivot axis 172. Pivoting of paddle 39, in turn, actuates the electrical switch 178. Actuation of the electrical switch provides an input to control logic which stops flow of product. The clipper then voids and clips the product. Once these actions are complete, the clipper opens, and the horn retracts from the product just clipped. Once these actions are complete the control logic directs the power circuit to power the rotary actuatory and initiates the discharge motion.

The product discharge tray is thereby moved to the product discharge position. As shown in Figure 12, vertical adjustment of the tray through bracket 180 permits adjustment to produce size. Thus, in the product discharge position of the product discharge tray, the finished product is discharged away from the stuffing horn (in the discharge direction) , and at substantially the same position (in the transverse and vertical directions) as the product previously occupied while the tray was in the receiving position.

The preferred embodiment of the invention is now described in detail. This detailed description is such that a person of ordinary skill in the art of the invention could make and use the invention, and the preferred embodiment is the best mode contemplated by the inventor. Nevertheless, an invention exists as

part idea, part hardware. The detailed description of the preferred embodiment is not to be confused with, or taken as, an effort to claim the invention, for the invention is broader than the hardware described. To particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter regarded as invention, the following claims conclude this specification.