Apparatus and method for rotating a fragile extruded strand of meat

Abstract

The apparatus for rotating the strand of meat product has an elongated barrel with a plurality of bores therein, with each bore having a tube rotatably mounted therein. An elongated strand of extruded meat product is inserted into one of the elongated tubes, whereupon the strand is cut and clipped into a closed condition at the inlet end of the tube. The tube is then selectively rotated, and a drive gear is provided for indexing the barrel for an incremental amount of rotation to align the incoming strand with a second of the tube members. While the second tube member is being loaded with an elongated strand of meat product, the elongated strand in the first tube is removed therefrom and is introduced into a conventional linking means while it is still rotating from the action of the first tube member. A first alternative apparatus introduces the elongated strand of meat product into one of two elongated tubes arranged in a serpentine configuration. Bearings are provided for holding the opposite ends of each tube from all movement by rotational movement about the axes of the tubes, and means for providing rotational power to each of the tubes is provided. A strand of meat emulsion is moved into the first of the tubes while it is in a static condition. After the first tube is filled, it is rotated about its own axis and the second tube is then filled with the elongated strand of meat emulsion. The loading and unloading of the two tubes continues sequentially.