Abstract

A flow control system and a method for controlling the flow of liquid (6) into a tubular member (10) and from the tubular member (10), wherein the tubular member (10) comprises a perforated portion that is configured to distribute a flow of liquid (6) having a predefined fixed liquid pressure (Pw) through the perforated portion and hereby pressurise an intestine (8) that is suspended on the tubular member (10) is disclosed. The flow control system (2) comprises a flow regulating valve (4) comprising: - a slidably arranged valve structure (62) arranged in a pressurised liquid filled water chamber (70); - an elastic water-side diaphragm (54) arranged in the water chamber (70) and connected to the valve structure (62) in such a manner that the water-side diaphragm (54) allows the valve structure (62) to: a) be moved in a first direction along the longitudinal axis of the valve structure (62) and hereby increase the volume in the water chamber (70) and b) be moved in the opposite direction along the longitudinal axis of the valve structure (62) and hereby decrease the volume in the water chamber (70). The flow control system (2) comprises a force generating unit arranged and configured to provide a predefined force (Fair) to move the slidably arranged valve structure (62) in a predefined direction, wherein the force generating unit is configured to control the flow of liquid (6) in such a manner that the pressure of liquid (6) in the tubular member (10) is maintained within a predefined pressure range (Pw1-Pw2).

IPC Classes  ?

• A22C 17/14 - Working-up animal intestinesApparatus for cutting intestinesMachines for pulling intestines to pieces
• F16K 7/12 - Diaphragm cut-off apparatus, e.g. with a member deformed, but not moved bodily, to close the passage with flat, dished, or bowl-shaped diaphragm
• F16K 11/07 - Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valvesPipe fittings incorporating such valvesArrangement of valves and flow lines specially adapted for mixing fluid with all movable sealing faces moving as one unit comprising only sliding valves with linearly sliding closure members with cylindrical slides
• F16K 31/126 - Operating meansReleasing devices actuated by fluid the fluid acting on a diaphragm, bellows, or the like
• G01B 11/08 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring diameters

Abstract

A detection unit (2) configured to detect a leakage hole (12) in an intestine (8) suspended on a tubular member (10) having a perforated portion that is configured to distribute a flow of liquid (6) through the perforated portion and hereby pressurise the intestine (8), when the intestine (8) is being moved with a non-zero velocity (V) along the longitudinal axis of the tubular member (10) is disclosed. The detection unit (2) comprises: - an electrically conducting and axially extending sleeve-shaped surrounding portion (4, 4') that at least partly surrounds the circumference of the tubular member (10); - an electric circuitry (14) arranged and configured to measure an electric quantity (R) which is established between the surrounding portion (4, 4') and the liquid (6) pressurising the intestine (8).

IPC Classes  ?

• A22C 17/14 - Working-up animal intestinesApparatus for cutting intestinesMachines for pulling intestines to pieces
• G01M 3/16 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point using electric detection means
• A22C 13/02 - Shirring of sausage casings

Abstract

An intestine detector comprising a first end detector and a second end detector arranged in a non-zero distance from the first end detector, wherein the intestine detector comprises an intermediate detector arranged and distanced between each of the end detectors in such a configuration that the intermediate detector will be electrically connected to any intestine suspended on the end detectors and extending between the first end detector and the second end detector.

IPC Classes  ?

• A22C 17/14 - Working-up animal intestinesApparatus for cutting intestinesMachines for pulling intestines to pieces
• A22C 13/02 - Shirring of sausage casings

Abstract

There is provided a system and a process for picking up and transporting a casing of indefinite length into relationship with a device, such as a device for measuring the diameter of the casing. The process comprises the steps: i) placing the casing on a support; ii) directing an actuated arm equipped with a finger towards the casing; iii) move the actuated arm away from the support and activate rollers to coil the casing onto the finger; and iv) moving the finger with the casing to a device, such as a device for measuring the diameter thereof, and decoiling the casing to transfer it to the device.

IPC Classes  ?

• A22C 11/02 - Sausage filling or stuffing machines
• A22C 13/02 - Shirring of sausage casings

Abstract

There is provided an apparatus for automatically measuring the diameter of intestines. The apparatus utilizes a perforated tube for holding an intestine suspended along the tube thereby exposing an inner face of the intestine against the outer surface of the suspended intestine. Two sets of actuatable rollers hold a portion of the intestine by pressing the rollers against the outer face of a part of the suspended intestine held between the two sets of rollers. A water supply is connected to the inner lumen of the perforated tube for supplying water through the perforations of the tube and thereby expanding the intestine between the set of rollers. To determine the diameter of the expanded intestine a camera may be used.

IPC Classes  ?

• A22C 17/14 - Working-up animal intestinesApparatus for cutting intestinesMachines for pulling intestines to pieces