WO2005024600A2

WO2005024600A2 - Systems with interchangeable horns for producing encased products and related methods, computer program products and horn rotor assemblies

Info

Publication number: WO2005024600A2
Application number: PCT/US2004/029203
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas E. Whittlesey; Edward P. Brinson; Kim L. Poling
Original assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
Priority date: 2003-09-09
Filing date: 2004-09-08
Publication date: 2005-03-17
Also published as: ATE489852T1; EP1664972A4; US7775862B2; US7867068B2; WO2005024600A3; CA2538063A1; BRPI0414207A; AU2004269793A1; AU2004269793B2; US7467993B2; MXPA06002646A; JP2007514615A; US7306511B2; US20050053699A1; US20080026683A1; EP1664972A2; US7976366B2; US20090075576A1; DE602004030354D1; US20100291846A1

Abstract

Methods for producing encased products using selectable first (20) and second (32) horns to thereby produce products in selectable different casing types include: (a) providing an apparatus (10) having a first horn (20) that, in operation, is configured to be in fluid communication with a filler pump (15) located upstream thereof; (b) removing the first horn (20) from the apparatus (10); and (c) mounting a second horn (32) assembly comprising an intermediate pipe segment (34) in fluid communication with a casing horn (32) to the apparatus (10). The casing horn (32) can pivot side-to-side. Related apparatus, systems, kits, assemblies and computer program products are configured to allow dual operational modes of producing encased products using first (20) or second horns (32).

Description

SYSTEMS WITH INTERCHANGEABLE HORNS FOR PRODUCING ENCASED PRODUCTS AND RELATED METHODS, COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCTS AND HORN ROTORASSEMBLIES

Related Application This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/501,647, filed September 9, 2003, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if recited in full herein.

Field of the Invention The present invention relates to apparatus, systems, methods and computer program products that stuff or fill product into casings that enclose products therein.

Background of the Invention Conventionally, in the production of consumer goods such as, for example, meat or other food products, the food is fed (typically pumped) or stuffed into a casing in a manner that allows the casing to fill with a desired amount of the product. As is well-known, the casings can be a slug-type natural or artificial casing that unwinds, advances, stretches and/or pulls to form the elongate casing over the desired product. Another type of casing is a heat-sealed tubular casing formed by seaming a thin sheet of flexible material, typically elastomeric material, together. U.S. Patent Nos. 5,085,036 and 5,203,760 describe examples of automated substantially continuous-feed devices suitable for forming sheet material or flat roll stock into tubular film casings. The contents of these patents are hereby incorporated by reference as if recited in full herein. Despite the foregoing, certain factories and plants desire the capability and/or flexibility to be able to produce products using either type of casing without requiring dedicated equipment space and/or separate production lines dedicated to each type of casing. Summary of Embodiments of the Invention Embodiments of the present invention provide apparatus, systems, devices, kits, methods and computer program products configured to allow two types of casings to be output (such as, for example, seamed and unseamed casings) that use corresponding different horns that are filled in a manner that reduces the amount of dedicated equipment and/or equipment space needed to accommodate both types of horns individually, and/or that integrate two production lines into a single production line with interchangeable horn components. The interchangeable horn components can be configured to releasably connect to and/or disconnect from a substantially common support structure and allow the changeover to different horns and different casing types in a manner that minimally disrupts the production line equipment upstream and/or downstream thereof. In certain embodiments, a first horn and second horn assembly are aligned along a common axial centerline and sized and configured to occupy substantially the same floor space. The first horn can be configured to operate with in situ fabricated heat-sealed and seamed elastomeric casings and the second horn can be configured to operate with pre-made casing slugs. The housing of the heat-sealing equipment can remain in location and hold certain components of the second horn assembly when the second horn is in use. The horns and apparatus housing can be configured for a relatively quick changeover of casing/horn type (typically on the order of less than about 15 minutes). Embodiments of the invention are directed to methods for producing encased products using selectable first and second horns to thereby produce products in selectable different casing types. The methods include: (a) providing an apparatus having a first horn that, in operation, is configured to be in fluid communication with a filler pump located upstream thereof; (b) removing the first horn from the apparatus; and (c) mounting a second horn assembly comprising an intermediate pipe segment in fluid communication with a casing horn to the apparatus. The first horn is configured and sized to flow product therethrough and to cooperate with the apparatus to form and/or guide seamed casing material thereabout. In operation, the second horn assembly is configured to be in fluid communication with the filler pump for flowing product therethrough and the casing horn is configured to hold non-seamed casing material thereon. In particular embodiments, the casing hom can have opposing first and second ends with the second end terminating into a ho rotor assembly. The mounting the second hom assembly to the apparatus can include: (a) attaching the hom rotor assembly to the apparatus; (b) mounting the casing hom to the hom rotor assembly; and (c) pivoting the casing hom generally horizontally (so that the discharge end is closer to an operator or user). In addition, the hom rotor assembly can include a support leg attached thereto and the apparatus can include a leg support bracket fixed thereto. The attaching step can be carried out by sliding the support leg into the leg support bracket. Other embodiments are directed to apparatus with interchangeable horns for engaging with a filler/product pump and supplying elongate casings for encasing products therein. The apparatus includes: (a) a housing having a support structure and opposing upstream and downstream end portions; (b) a first hom releaseably mountable to the housing support structure, the first hom having a length, an outer surface and an internal flow channel therein; and (c) a hom rotor assembly releasably mountable to the housing support structure, the horn rotor assembly comprising a pivotable casing horn with an outer surface and an intermediate pipe segment, each having a respective internal flow channel therein. In operation, the first hom is configured to direct casing material to travel over the outer surface while product travels through the internal flow channel when the first horn is in position.

Alternatively, in operation, with the second ho in position, product travels through the intermediate flow channel into the pivotable casing hom while the casing hom directs a supply of casing material to travel over the outer surface thereof. The first horn may be a heat seal hom configured to cooperate with sheet roll stock to form seamed elastomeric tubular casing in situ and the casing hom can be configured to hold and release slugs of shirred fibrous casing material. The apparatus can include means for forming and sealing planar elastomeric (i.e., polymeric) sheet stock disposed in the housing. In certain embodiments, the hom rotor assembly has an overall assembled length that includes the lengths of the casing hom, pivot head and intermediate pipe segment with the overall length being substantially the same as the first hom length. Still other embodiments are directed to hom rotor assemblies. The hom rotor assemblies include: (a) a pivot head having a flow passage extending therethrough; and (b) an elongate casing hom having opposing first and second end portions, an outer surface and an internal flow channel. The second end portion is attached to the pivot head so that casing hom is pivotable. In particular embodiments, the casing hom and pivot head are configured to allow the casing hom to pivot from side-to-side and/or laterally outward while held in a substantially horizontal or level configuration with the casing hom flow channel and pivot head flow passage in fluid communication. The hom rotor assembly can also include a support member attached to the pivot head. In addition, the hom rotor assembly can include a protrusion member mounted to the pivot head and configured to align with a proximity sensor when in operative position to thereby identify that the casing hom and/or pivot head are in proper operative position. In particular embodiments, the pivot head comprises a coupling member that can have a semi-spherical profile that is held in a socket member and the socket member can be configured to snugly receive the coupling member while allowing the coupling member to pivot relative thereto. Other embodiments are directed to kits for modifying an apparatus that produces tubular casings from roll-stock to output non-seamed casings. The kits can be supplied as a retrofit or upgrade option and the like. The kits include: (a) a casing hom and an intermediate pipe segment; and (b) a bracket configured to mount to the apparatus and hold the casing hom and/or intermediate pipe segment with respect thereto. In certain embodiments, the casing horn in the kit is attached to a pivot head and is configured to pivot (typically from an installation or outwardly extending axially offset configuration to an operative axially aligned position). The kit may optionally include a tension clip attachable to the casing hom and configured to hold an end portion of a slug of fibrous casing material for cooperating with a limit switch to automatically identify when a length of fibrous casing material is expended. Still other embodiments are directed to computer program products for operating an apparatus that releaseably mounts a plurality of different selectable homs to supply different casing material and fill the selected casing material to provide an encased elongate product. The computer program product includes a computer readable storage medium having computer readable program code embodied in the medium. The computer-readable program code includes: computer readable program code configured to provide a plurality of different predetermined operational modes of an apparatus that releaseably mounts first and second horns with different hom configurations to supply different casings and a flowable product; and computer readable program code that selects one of the different operational modes responsive to whether a first hom with a first casing material or a second casing hom with a second casing material different from the first casing material is in communication with the apparatus. In certain embodiments, the computer product can include computer readable program code that accepts user input to identify the type of casing material selected for deployment and/or a selection of operation with either the first or second hom. In addition, the computer program product may include computer readable program code configured to inhibit operation until the selected horn is in proper operative position. Still other embodiments are directed to systems for producing encased products using selectable first and second horns to thereby produce products in selectable different casing types. The systems include: (a) an apparatus having a releaseably mountable first hom that, in operation, is configured to be in fluid communication with a filler pump located upstream thereof, the first hom configured and sized to flow product therethrough and to cooperate with the apparatus to form and/or guide seamed casing material thereabout; and (b) means for mounting a second hom assembly comprising an intermediate pipe segment in fluid communication with a casing hom to the apparatus. In operation, the second hom assembly is configured to be in fluid communication with the filler pump for flowing product therethrough and the casing hom is configured to hold non-seamed casing material thereon. These and other objects and/or aspects of the present invention are explained in detail in the specification set forth below.

Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 A is a front view of a sealing apparatus configured to hold and/or engage interchangeable horns (shown with an elastomeric casing hom) according to embodiments of the present invention. Figure IB is a side perspective view of a releasably attachable elastomeric casing hom shown in Figure 1A according to embodiments of the present invention. Figure 2 A is a front view of the apparatus of Figure 1A, but shown holding a different hom from that shown in Figure 1 A (shown holding a hom rotor assembly), according to embodiments of the present invention. Figure 2B is a side perspective view of a hom rotor assembly that is shown held in the apparatus shown in Figure 2 A according to embodiments of the present invention. Figure 2C is a front perspective view of a sealing apparatus of Figure 2A shown with a housing cover in position according to embodiments of the present invention. Figure 3 is a flow chart of operations that can be carried out according to embodiments of the present invention. Figure 4 is an enlarged top view of the hom rotor assembly shown in Figure 2B shown in an exemplary casing load configuration where the casing head can pivot generally horizontally outwardly according to embodiments of the present invention. Figure 5A is an enlarged partial side perspective view of the hom rotor assembly shown in Figure 2B with a support leg held in a bracket according to embodiments of the present invention. Figure 5B is an enlarged partial side perspective view of the hom rotor assembly shown in Figure 2B mounted to the apparatus of Figure 2 A according to embodiments of the present invention. Figure 6A is a side perspective view of the bracket shown in Figure 5A according to embodiments of the present invention. Figure 6B is a side perspective view of the bracket shown in Figure 5A mounted to the structures attached to the sealing apparatus shown in Figures 1A and 2 A according to embodiments of the present invention. Figure 7A is a side perspective view of a coupler and/or bushing that pivotably connect the device of Figure 4 to the apparatus shown in Figure 2C according to embodiments of the present invention. Figure 7B is a side view of the coupler shown in Figure 7A. Figure 7C is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a coupler that may be used to connect the casing hom to the apparatus shown in Figure 2A. Figure 7D is a side perspective view of an adapter suitable for use with the coupler of Figure 7C and the casing hom as shown in Figure 2A. Figure 8 A is a side perspective view of a ball joint or socket that is sized and configured to hold the coupler of Figure 7A according to embodiments of the present invention. Figure 8B is an enlarged front perspective view of the joint or socket shown in Figure 8A. Figure 9 is an enlarged top view of the pivot head and hom rotor assembly shown in Figure 2 A according to embodiments of the present invention. Figure 10 is a front view of a shirred voiding/clipping apparatus with the hom rotor assembly in alignment therewith according to embodiments of the present invention. Figure 11 is an enlarged partial side perspective view of the hom rotor assembly in position with the voiding plates shown in Figure 10 according to embodiments of the present invention. Figure 12 is a block diagram of a data processing system according to embodiments of the present invention. Figure 13 is a flow chart of operations that may be carried out according to embodiments of the present invention.

Detailed Description The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying figures, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. In the figures, certain layers, components or features may be exaggerated for clarity, and broken lines illustrate optional features or operations unless specified otherwise. In addition, the sequence of operations (or steps) is not limited to the order presented in the claims unless specifically indicated otherwise. Where used, the terms "attached", "connected", "contacting", "coupling" and the like, can mean either directly or indirectly, unless stated otherwise. The term "concurrently" means that the operations are carried out substantially simultaneously. In the description of the present invention that follows, certain terms are employed to refer to the positional relationship of certain structures relative to other structures. As used herein, the term "front" or "forward" and derivatives thereof refer to the general or primary direction that the filler or product travels in a production line to form an encased product; this term is intended to be synonymous with the term "downstream," which is often used in manufacturing or material flow environments to indicate that certain material traveling or being acted upon is farther along in that process than other material. Conversely, the terms "rearward" and "upstream" and derivatives thereof refer to the directions opposite, respectively, the forward and downstream directions. The present invention is particularly suitable for producing encased products that may also employ closure clips to seal products held in the casings. The product may be a linked chain of elongated extruded product held in a casing. The casing can be any suitable casing (edible or inedible, natural or synthetic) such as, but not limited to, collagen, cellulose, plastic, elastomeric and/or polymeric casing. Typically, a first hom is configured to form seamed tubular casings from an elastomeric and/or polymeric sheet and/or planar roll stock that is then stuffed or filled with flowable product. A second hom can supply a natural and/or edible (typically fibrous) casing onto the product. More typically, the elastomeric and/or polymeric sheet is a relatively thin sheet (or film) of roll-stock that can be formed in situ into a continuous length of heat- sealed and/or otherwise joined or seamed tubular casing. The forming can be carried out substantially automatically and continuously over a desired interval (typically between at least about 45-60 minutes, depending on the size of the length of the roll stock). The seaming can be performed using a heat seal as is conventional and/or ultrasonic, adhesive, light (ultraviolet or other desired wavelength), chemical, and/or other sealing means as is suitable. The seam can be a flat, fin, or other overlapping and/or abutting joint configuration. The encased elongated or tubular product can be an elongated food product, typically a meat product. Exemplary meat products include, but are not limited to, strands of meat (that may comprise pepperoni, poultry, and/or beef or other desired meat), and processed meat products including whole or partial meat mixtures, including sausages, hotdogs, and the like. Other embodiments of the present invention may be directed to seal other types of food (such as cheese) or other product in casing materials. Examples of other products include powders such as granular materials including grain, sugar, sand and the like or other flowable materials including wet (similar to that held conventionally in cans) pet food or other powder, granular, solid, semi-solid or gelatinous materials. The product may be a packaged in any suitable industry including food, aquaculture, agriculture, environment, chemical, explosives, or other applications. As will be discussed further below, the first and second horns can serially cooperate with a shirred voiding/clipping apparatus located downstream of the respective hom to produce an elongated product can be produced in a linked chain of tubular or chub product with clips applied at desired intervals. The length and diameter of each link or chub as well as the overall length of the chain can vary depending on the type of product being produced. Examples of typical strand or chain lengths are between about 1-6 feet. See, e.g., U.S. Patent Nos. 3,543,378,

5,167,567, 5,067,313, and 5,181,302, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if recited in full herein. Turning now to Figure 1 A, an exemplary apparatus or system 10 configured to form seamed tubular casings is shown. The apparatus 10 includes a first hom 20 which cooperates with forming and sealing mechanisms held therein to convert flat roll stock material into tubular seamed casing as the material travels in the apparatus 10 and over the hom 20. Examples of tubular casing forming apparatus and an associated heat-sealing hom are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,085,036 and 5,203,760, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. However, as stated above, the apparatus may be configured to produce the tubular casings using additional and/or alternative joining or seaming means. As shown in Figure 1A, the first hom 20 is in fluid communication with a filler/product pump and supply 15 located upstream thereof as shown schematically in this figure. The first horn 20 includes an internal flow channel 21 that extends through the hom 20. In operation, the flow channel 21 directs product to flow therethrough (sealed from the environment). As the product exits the discharge end 20e of the hom 20, it is stuffed into or fills the casing material that is held around the outer surface of the hom 20. In the embodiment shown, the hom 20 has an axially extending center line 20c, a height Hi above the floor to the centerline 20c, an overall length Li, and a length L₂ for the portion of the hom that extends beyond the downstream wall of the apparatus 10. The hom 20 can be positioned in the apparatus 10 on support structures lOf so that it is substantially horizontal with the centerline aligned with upstream and downstream components during operation. Figure IB shows the first hom 20 separate from the apparatus 10. The first hom 20 typically includes a forming shoulder 23 on an upstream end portion that guides and/or shapes roll stock (not shown) to substantially conform to the shape of the tubular hom as the material travels away from the forming shoulder and hence wrap the elastomeric or other desired material around the hom 20. As shown, a guide and/or pre-sizing ring 24 can be held on the hom proximate the discharge end 20e to help provide the desired tension/size on the casing as it encases the product. Typically, the casing material travels over the outermost perimeter of the guide 24 as is known to those of skill in the art, as the casing material is drawn downstream. Figure 2 A illustrates the apparatus 10 in communication with a second hom

32 and related components. As shown, the second hom configuration is a second hom assembly 30 including an intermediate pipe segment 34, a pivot head 33, and a casing hom 32. The second hom assembly 30 includes an internal flow channel therethrough 32f (i. e. , a sealed channel extending through the respective intermediate pipe segment 34, pivot head 33, and casing hom 32). The pivot head 33 and casing hom 32 can form a hom rotor assembly 35. The pivot head 33 can include a coupler 44 and socket 45 that are held together (shown with bolts 33b) in a manner that allows the desired pivotal movement. Other joining configurations may be used to hold the coupler 44 and socket 45 together as will be known to those of skill in the art. The second hom assembly 30 is typically configured to run with different casing (non- seamed or slugs) materials. For example, the second hom 32 may be configured to serially receive and output lengths of shirred fibrous casings. The intermediate pipe 34 can be held in the apparatus on suitable support structure lOf and may be clamped at one or more locations with clamps 37ι, 37₂. Although shown with two clamps other numbers of clamps (or none) may be used as appropriate to stabilize and/or hold the pipe in its operative position during operation. As shown, the intermediate pipe 34 can be configured and aligned to have a centerline 34c that is substantially same as the first hom 20 when it is held in the apparatus 10. Similarly, in operative position, the second (casing) hom 32 can also have the same centerline location as that of the first hom 20. As such, in certain embodiments, the height Hi of each of the first and second horns 20, 32, respectively can be substantially the same when held in operative position. In addition, the overall length L_T of the second hom assembly 30 may be substantially the same as the length Li of the first hom 20 (typically within about 5 inches, and more typically within about 2 inches). That is, the assembled length of the second hom assembly including the casing hom 32, the pivot head 33, and the intermediate pipe 34 can be substantially the same as the length Li of the first hom Li. Configuring the second hom assembly 30 and the first hom 20 to have substantially the same length can reduce any equipment spacing adjustments required for upstream and/or downstream equipment to allow for a more modular interchange without unduly disrupting existing product lines and/or to use substantially the same floor layout and space to change over from tubular film casing to shirred slug casing over the reverse. In particular embodiments, the intermediate pipe segment 34 can extend substantially the entire axial length of the housing lOh. An exemplary range of lengths include an intermediate pipe segment 34 of about 49-51 inches, an overall length Li of the first hom 20 may be about 94-97 inches, and the overall length Lj of the second hom assembly 30 may be about 92-95 inches. The apparatus 10 can include a processor that is configured with dual run modes to selectively run either type of casing material as desired as will be discussed further below. Figure 2A illustrates that, in certain embodiments, the apparatus 10 can include a bracket 10b or other mounting means disposed on a downstream side of the housing lOh. The bracket 10b can be installed as a retrofit/upgrade component or installed as part of the OEM original equipment on the apparatus 10. The bracket 10b and/or other mounting structure can be configured to hold a support member 36 on the hom rotor assembly 35 to support the second hom assembly 30 downstream of the intermediate pipe segment 34. In other embodiments, the casing hom 32 can mount directly to a downstream apparatus 100 as shown for example in Figure 10 with mount 136 and any extension pipe(s) or spacers 39 as required for proper spacing between the apparatus 100 and apparatus 10. Figure 2A also illustrates a tension clip 40 typically attachable to the pivot head 33 and/or a trailing edge or end portion of a slug of fibrous casing material for cooperating with a lead 40L attached to a limit switch 40s to automatically identify when a length of fibrous casing material is expended. The tension clip 40 may mount to the pivot head 33 or other desired mounting structure on one end and clip to the casing material on the other. Figure 2B illustrates the second hom assembly 30 apart from the apparatus 10. As shown, the second hom assembly 30 may also include a manual lever that allows a technician or operator to manually trip the limit switch 40s as the casing material is expended or exhausted. Figure 2B also illustrates that the hom rotor assembly 35 may also include a protrusion 46 (shown as a tongue or plate) that cooperates with a proximity switch that automatically confirms when the casing hom 32 and pivot head 33 are in proper operative position. As shown in Figure 4, the casing hom 32 can be angled laterally away (side-to-side) from the axial position during loading of shirred casing material. The casing hom 32 may the pivot to a desired (axially aligned) operative configuration. Thus, upon alignment, the protrusion 46 cooperates with a proximity switch, which confirms the proper configuration and position of the casing hom 32 and pivot head 33. The proximity switch 146 (Figure 5B) may be magnetic (and the protrusion formed of and/or coated with a magnetic material), optical, inductive or other suitable position detection system. Other electronic or electromechanical position detection systems may also be used. The pivot head 33 includes a coupler 44 and a socket 45 that receives and holds the coupler 44 and allows the casing horn 32 to pivot. In addition, the horn rotor assembly 35 illustrated in Fig. 2A and 2B includes an (optional) adapter 43 with the pivot head 33. Figures 2C and 4 illustrate the second hom assembly 30 without the adapter 43. The adapter 43 may be used where a larger pivot head 33 is employed with a smaller casing horn 32 as will be discussed further below. Figure 2C illustrates the housing lOh with a cover in position and the intermediate pipe segment 34 extending out of a window 10a to attach to the hom rotor assembly 35 and/or pivot head 33. Figure 3 illustrates operations that may be carried out according to embodiments of the present invention. As shown, when changing over a heat-seal apparatus from a heat-seal hom to the casing hom, the heat seal hom is removed from the apparatus (block 101). The upstream or incoming (product or filler) pipe may be disconnected before the heat seal hom is removed (i.e., loosening or removing the clamp connecting the two) (block 102). The hom rotor assembly having a pivotable casing hom can be mounted to the heat-seal apparatus. The intermediate pipe segment can be mounted to the heat-seal apparatus so that the intermediate pipe segment is in fluid communication with the pivotable casing hom (block 120). The hom rotor assembly can be mounted by inserting a hom rotor support leg into a bracket on the heat seal apparatus (block 111). The casing hom can pivot to angle laterally in a generally horizontal plane (i.e., side to side), away from the axial centerline during at least one of installation, reloading of (shirred) casing material, and/or removal (block 112). The casing hom can be in fluid communication with and/or connect to the intermediate pipe segment and the casing hom can pivot into a substantially horizontal axially aligned configuration during operation and (block 114). In particular embodiments, referring first to Figures 1A and 2C, the cover 10c on the housing lOh is lifted, a horn clamp 22 removed and the first hom 20 lifted up and out of the apparatus 10 (the first hom may weigh about 50 lbs or even more). The hom rotor assembly 35 with the pivot head 33 and the hom rotor support member 36 can be positioned in the bracket and secured using a cam style locking clamp 36c (Figure 5A) such as those available from Carr Lane Manufacturing Co., St. Louis, MO. The casing hom 32 can then be attached to the pivot head 33 using an ACME sanitary thread nut for sealing to inhibit product leakage during operation. In other embodiments, the casing hom 32 may be attached to the pivot head 33 prior to mounting the hom assembly/pivot head to the apparatus 10. As shown in Figure 4, the casing hom 32 may be able to pivot to an angle "α" away from the axially extending centerline 30c. The angle α may be between about 15-75 degrees, and in particular embodiments between about 30-60 degrees. The intermediate pipe segment 34 can be mounted in the apparatus 10 and releaseably secured with clamps or other securing means. The intermediate pipe segment 34 may also be mounted in the apparatus 10 prior to mounting the casing hom 32 and/or rotor assembly 35. In any event, the upstream piping that connects the intermediate pipe segment 34 to the product/filler pump and/or supply source can be connected. The pivot head 33 can be configured with surfaces that register in an operative self-sealing configuration where an O-ring, gasket or other sealing means, is seated (such as between the coupler 44 outer surface and the socket 45 inner surface) when the pivot head 33 and casing hom 32 are moved to reside along the axial centerline and are substantially axially aligned. In certain embodiments, an O-ring (not shown) can reside in a groove 44g in a rearward portion of the coupler 44 as shown in Figures 7B, 7C and seal a flow channel extending through the socket 45 and coupler 44 to the casing hom 32. Figures 4 and 5A illustrate a lateral pivot axis 33a for the casing hom 32 that allows the casing hom 32 to be moved side-to-side (rotated outwardly to load the desired casing material and inwardly to run). The casing hom 32 may, in certain embodiments, also pivot outwardly (or inwardly) out of axial alignment during installation/removal during changeover to the other hom type. In certain embodiments, the pivot movement may be restricted when mounted so as to substantially freely pivot toward an accessible first side but substantially impeded in pivoting with a corresponding angular motion toward the opposing side by the mounting hardware/apparatus. Figure 5B illustrates an example of a proximity switch 139 that cooperates with the protrusion 46 on the pivot head 33 and/or hom rotor assembly 35. Figure 6A illustrates one configuration of a bracket 10b that is sized and configured to receive the hom rotor assembly support member 36. Figure 6B illustrates that the bracket 10b can be configured to hold the limit switch 40s and the proximity switch 139 as well as the claiming structure 36c. The bracket 10b may be configured to receive an arm extension lOe attachable to the apparatus 10 so that it is positioned downstream thereof a desired distance. Figures 7A and 7B illustrate one embodiment of a coupler 44. As shown, the coupler 44 has opposing rearward and forward portions, 44₁, 44₂, respectively, with a flow channel 44f extending therebetween. The coupler 44 also includes a groove 44g on the rearward portion 44j. The coupler 44 also includes apertures 44a sized and configured to receive bolts 33b or other mounting hardware (screws or other attachment means) to secure the coupler 44 to the socket 45. The apertures 44a may not be through apertures, i.e., have a length that is less than the thickness of the material thereat, so as to maintain a sealed cavity region thereunder. As shown, in certain embodiments the coupler 44 may have a substantially semi-spherical profile with a planar rearward edge 44e and substantially open cavity and that provides the flow channel 44f . The coupler 44 may also include a depression region 44d on a portion of the outer surface and a lip 46m with two proximate mounting apertures 44p that can abut and hold the protrusion member/plate 46 (Figures 2B, 4). The forward edge portion 44₂ can include internal ACME threads that engage threads on the casing hom 32 to seal the connection therebetween (see, e.g., Figure 4). Figure 7C illustrates another embodiment of the coupler 44. In this embodiment, the coupler 44 includes a forward extension 144 that is configured and sized to receive an adapter 43 (Figures 5A, 7D). The forward extension 144 can include threads that engage with mating threads on the rearward edge of the adapter 46 (Figure 5A). The adapter 43 may have threads 43t on the inner surface (LD.) thereof while the forward extension 144 can include corresponding mating threads 44t on its outer surface (O.D.). The thread patterns are not shown in Figure 7C, 7D. The adapter 43 may include flat regions 43f to allow a tightening tool (i.e., wrench) easier contact and engagement to tighten the connection for proper sealing. Figure 7D illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the adapter 43 which includes opposing rearward and forward portions 43_1? 43₂, respectively and a flow channel 43f extending therebetween. As shown, the adapter 43 has a first diameter on the forward portion 43₂ and a larger diameter on the rearward portion 43ι. In certain embodiments, the casing hom 32 can be supplied in incremental sizes, typically between about 1-3 inch (O.D.) configurations and/or a larger size configuration, typically about a 4-inch configuration. Each size generally corresponds to a desired product size and/or casing type. One hom rotor assembly 35 and/or pivot head 33 can be configured to accommodate several different sizes of casing horns 32 such as each of the 1-3 inch configurations, while a separate 4-inch hom assembly 35 may be provided. The adapter 43 can be attached to casing horns in the 1 -3 inch range on one end and the 4 inch hom rotor assembly pivot head 33 on the other. Thus, the 1-3 inch adapter expands at the upstream end and can screw into the coupler 44. However, for a 3-inch pivot head 33, the casing hom 32 (or corresponding pipe attachment segment) can include female threads on an inner surface thereof that that screw directly onto threads formed on an internal surface of the coupler 44. Figure 8A illustrates a socket 45 sized and configured to receive the rearward portion 44ι of the coupler 44. As such, the socket 45 includes an internal cavity 45c having a semi-spherical shape corresponding to the outer profile of the coupler 44. The socket 45 includes opposing rearward and forward portions 45ι, 45₂, respectively and a flow entry port 44p with a relatively short flow channel 45f that terminates into the coupler flow channel 44f during operation. The flow entry port 44p is in fluid communication with the intermediate pipe segment 34 (Figure 2A) and pipe extension 39 (Figure 10). The socket 45 includes apertures 45a for receiving bolts or other mounting structures therethrough, to secure the coupler 44 when the bolts 33b (see, e.g., Figure 5B) are in place. The socket 45 can include a mounting bracket 45m that can releaseably attach to desired mounting structures. Figure 8B illustrates a typical operative orientation of the socket 45 mounted to define a generally horizontal pivot axis. Figure 9 is a top view of the second hom assembly 30 in an operative position proximate the apparatus 10 with the proximity protrusion 46 in position proximate the proximity sensor 139. In certain embodiments, the apparatus 10 may include an automated hom detector (not shown) that is configured to automatically identify which hom 20, 32 and/or 34 is in use and to automatically select the corresponding run mode operational sequence based on that automatic detection. The detector may include a bar code (infrared) reader held in a location that can communicate with each of the first horn 20 and intermediate pipe segment 34 when in the apparatus 10 and the first hom 20 and intermediate pipe segment 34 have a bar code label fixed in a location corresponding to a reading location. Other detection means can also be used, including, for example, optical recognition sensors (noting the first hom is longer that the intermediate pipe segment), weight sensors, and the like. The detector may also be used to lock out operation if the incorrect hom is in position or if no hom is in position. Figures 10 and 11 illustrate the second hom assembly 30 in position with respect to an adjacent downstream apparatus 100. In the embodiment shown, the apparatus 100 is a shirred voiding/clipping apparatus, such as the RS4203 model available from TIPPER TIE®, Tipper Tie, Inc., Apex, N.C. In operation, as is known to those of skill in the art, a skin brake sits on the downstream end portion of the hom which is positioned to be in communication with the apparatus 100 so as to cooperate with voiding plates 300 that allow clips to be attached to a voided casing region at desired intervals. The skin brakes (not shown) can be provided as internal or external skin brakes, recessed or flush mounted, and in sizes corresponding to the hom sizes (i.e., 1-3 inches in ^lΛ inch increments and 4 inches). A sizing ring may be positioned under the casing on the forward edge portion of the hom outer surface to help provide a more uniform tensioning of the casing. The spacing and lengths of horns may be adjusted based on the type of skin break employed, the size of the hom (length and diameter), the type of product desired, and/or the casing type employed. Examples of exemplary devices and apparatus used to void, clip or tension casing material are described in U.S. Patent Nos.: 4,847,953; 4,675,945; 5,074,386; 5,167,567; and

6,401,885, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if recited in full herein. A sprayer can be positioned proximate the skin brake (on a downstream portion of whatever hom is in use) to dispense a suitable lubricant such as an oil including glycerin and/or mineral oil (not shown). In operation, the encased product can be fed to the voiding/clipping apparatus

100 that can be configured to produce a series of single products or a series of chained encased products using either of the two types of casings. A clip can be applied to the beginning portion of a casing, food is pumped into the casing, and the filled casing is moved downstream from the filling point adjacent the discharge end of the hom. The filling can be intermpted momentarily while excess product is voided (pushed away from a clip zone on the package) and two clips can be applied concurrently to the casing at proximate but spaced apart lateral locations in the clip zone. A knife is used to separate the casing between the two concurrently applied clips to produce a sealed single package. This region between the two clips is sometimes described as the "tail" or end of the package. The first or forwardmost of the two clips forms the end of the forward (first) sealed product and the second or rearwardmost of the two clips forms the beginning of the next upstream package, which is now ready for filling which is restarted. Sometimes, similar to the shirred single piece production method, two clips can be applied concurrently to a voided casing region, which action is repeated a number of times before cutting any of the links to generate a series or chain of linked "chubs." Thus, in operation, a desired number of chubs can be serially produced to form the desired length of product or number of chubs. This process can be described as a "chubbing operation." After the desired length of product and/or number of chubs is generated, the casing is voided and the two clips are concurrently applied to the casing as described above. The knife is then directed to cut the chain at the tail and start a new chain of linked product. The linked or chained products are typically vertically suspended together for further processing. See, e.g., U.S. Patent Nos. 3,543,378, 5,167,567, 5,067,313, and 5,181,302, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if recited in full herein. Generally stated, clips can be applied to the casing material to wrap around and close or seal the product therein. The seal formed by the clip against the casing may be sufficiently strong so as to be able to hold a vacuum of about 16mm Hg for about 24-48 hours. Examples of suitable clips include metallic generally "U" -shaped clips available from Tipper Tie, Inc., in Apex, North Carolina. Other clips, clip materials and clip configurations may also be used. Figure 12 is a block diagram of exemplary embodiments of data processing systems that illustrates systems, methods, and computer program products in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The processor 410 communicates with the memory 414 via an address/data bus 448. The processor 410 can be any commercially available or custom microprocessor. The memory 414 is representative of the overall hierarchy of memory devices containing the software and data used to implement the functionality of the data processing system 405. The memory 414 can include, but is not limited to, the following types of devices: cache, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory, SRAM, and DRAM. As shown in Figure 12, the memory 414 may include several categories of software and data used in the data processing system 405: the operating system 452; the application programs 454; the input output (I/O) device drivers 458; the Dual Mode Run Selection Module for selecting the operational sequence associated with the casing and/or hom type in use 450; and the data 456. The data 456 may include a look-up chart of different casing run times (i.e. , shirred slugs of casing for the second ho or tubular elastomeric (polymer) casings formed in situ, as well as the product, filling rates, selectable chain lengths and link lengths and the like 451 corresponding to particular or target products for one or more producers. The data 456 may include data from a proximity sensor and/or exhaustion of casing material detector that allows the computer program to automatically control the operation of the apparatus to inhibit discharging product when casing material has been expended. As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, the operating system 452 may be any operating system suitable for use with a data processing system, such as OS/2, ALX, DOS, OS/390 or System390 from International Business Machines Corporation, Armonk, NY, Windows CE, Windows NT, Windows95, Windows98 or Windows2000 from Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA, Unix or Linux or FreeBSD, Palm OS from Palm, Inc., Mac OS from Apple Computer, LabView, or proprietary operating systems. The I/O device drivers 458 typically include software routines accessed through the operating system 452 by the application programs 454 to communicate with devices such as I/O data port(s), data storage 456 and certain memory 414 components and/or the dispensing system 420. The application programs 454 are illustrative of the programs that implement the various features of the data processing system 405 and preferably include at least one application which supports operations according to embodiments of the present invention. Finally, the data 456 represents the static and dynamic data used by the application programs 454, the operating system 452, the I/O device drivers 458, and other software programs that may reside in the memory 414. While the present invention is illustrated, for example, with reference to the Dual Mode Run Selection Module 450 being an application program in Figure 12, as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, other configurations may also be utilized while still benefiting from the teachings of the present invention. For example, the Module 450 may also be incorporated into the operating system 452, the I/O device drivers 458 or other such logical division of the data processing system 405. Thus, the present invention should not be construed as limited to the configuration of Figure 12, which is intended to encompass any configuration capable of carrying out the operations described herein. The I/O data port can be used to transfer information between the data processing system 405 and the downstream voiding/clipping or closure attachment mechanism (such as for chubbed linked product) 420 or another computer system or a network (e.g., the Internet) or to other devices controlled by the processor. These components may be conventional components such as those used in many conventional data processing systems which may be configured in accordance with the present invention to operate as described herein. For example, the data processing system can be a computer program product with computer readable program code configured to provide a plurality of different predetermined operational modes of an apparatus that releaseably mounts first and second horns with different hom configurations to supply different casings and a flowable product and computer readable program code configured to select one of the predetermined operational modes responsive to whether a first hom with a first casing material or a second casing hom with a second casing material different from the first casing material is in communication with the apparatus. In particular embodiments, the computer readable program code is configured to accept user input to identify the type of casing material selected for deployment and/or a selection of the operational mode with either the first or second hom. In addition, the computer readable program code can be configured to inhibit operation until the desired hom is in proper operative position. In certain embodiments, the computer readable program code that inhibits operation comprises computer readable program code configured to obtain and analyze data from a proximity sensor positioned to automatically detect when the second hom is in operative horizontal position. In addition, the computer readable program code can be configured to automatically identify when a casing supply on the second hom is exhausted. For example, the computer readable program code can be configured to monitor and/or detect when a limit switch is triggered responsive to force applied to a lead attached to a trailing edge portion of the supply of casing material as the trailing edge portion of the casing material advances. In addition, the computer program can include computer readable program code configured to obtain and analyze data from a proximity sensor positioned to automatically detect when the second hom is in operative horizontal position. In particular embodiments, the computer program can include computer readable program code configured to disregard: (a) the computer readable program code configured to identify when a casing supply on the second hom is exhausted; and/or (b) the computer readable program code configured to obtain and analyze data from a proximity sensor positioned to automatically detect when the second hom is in operative horizontal position, when the second horn is running with the first hom. In certain embodiments, the computer program can include computer readable program code configure to supply sheet roll stock to the first hom and form the roll stock into a tubular casing configuration in situ and/or computer readable program code that allows a manual stop and start to interrupt product flow to feed serially positioned slugs of fibrous casing material on the second hom. In addition, the computer program can include program code configured to control product flow from a pump positioned upstream of the apparatus to direct the product to flow through one of the first hom or second hom, responsive to which is installed in communication with the apparatus. In particular embodiments, the program can include program code that automatically identifies the desired operational mode by detecting which hom is in position on the apparatus. Still further, the computer program may include computer program code that cooperates with a shirred casing voiding/clipping apparatus to deliver clips to encased product provided by the first or second hom, depending on which is operative. While the present invention is illustrated, for example, with reference to particular divisions of programs, functions and memories, the present invention should not be construed as limited to such logical divisions. Thus, the present invention should not be construed as limited to the configuration of Figure 12 but is intended to encompass any configuration capable of carrying out the operations described herein. The operation and sequence of events can be controlled by a programmable logic controller. The operational mode can be selected by an operator input using a Human Machine Interface to communicate with the controller as is well known to those of skill in the art. Figure 13 is a flow chart of exemplary dual run sequence options for an apparatus configured to operate with interchangeable hom types. The series of operations (225, 227, 229, 231, 233 and 235) on the left are associated with the first hom configuration while those on the right (210, 211, 213, 215, 217, 219, 221 and 223) are associated with the second horn configuration. The flowcharts and block diagrams of certain of the figures herein illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of selective implementation of single and dual clip closure means according to the present invention. In this regard, each block in the flow charts or block diagrams represents a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. The foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and is not to be construed as limiting thereof. Although a few exemplary embodiments of this invention have been described, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined in the claims. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses, where used, are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only stmctural equivalents but also equivalent stmctures. Therefore, it is to be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and is not to be construed as limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications to the disclosed embodiments, as well as other embodiments, are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. The invention is defined by the following claims, with equivalents of the claims to be included therein.

Claims

THAT WHICH IS CLAIMED IS: 1. A method for producing encased products using selectable first and second horns to thereby produce products in selectable different casing types, comprising: providing an apparatus having a first hom that, in operation, is configured to be in fluid communication with a filler pump located upstream thereof, the first hom configured and sized to allow product to flow therethrough and to cooperate with the apparatus to form and/or guide seamed casing material thereabout; removing the first hom from the apparatus; and mounting a second horn assembly comprising an intermediate pipe segment in fluid communication with a casing hom to the apparatus, wherein, in operation, the second hom assembly is configured to be in fluid communication with the filler pump to allow product to flow therethrough and the casing hom is configured to hold non- seamed casing material thereon.

2. A method according to Claim 1 , wherein, in position on the apparatus, the first hom and the intermediate pipe segment have substantially the same axially extending centerline location.

3. A method according to Claim 2, wherein the casing hom resides outside a footprint boundary defined by the apparatus and the intermediate pipe segment resides within the footprint boundary defined by the apparatus.

4. A method according to Claim 1, wherein, in position, the intermediate pipe segment is located upstream of the casing horn.

5. A method according to Claim 4, wherein the casing hom has opposing first and second ends, with the second end terminating into a hom rotor assembly and wherein the mounting the second hom assembly to the apparatus comprises: attaching the hom rotor assembly to the apparatus; mounting the casing hom to the hom rotor assembly; and pivoting the casing hom about a substantially horizontal pivot axis.

6. A method according to Claim 5, wherein the hom rotor assembly comprises a support leg attached thereto, and wherein the apparatus comprises a leg support bracket fixed thereto, and wherein the attaching step comprises sliding the support leg into the leg support bracket.

7. A method according to Claim 6, wherein the second end portion of the casing hom terminates into a pivot head configured with a flow port that, during operation, is adapted to allow product to flow therethrough so that the product travels from the intermediate pipe segment through the pivot head and then to the casing hom, the pivot head comprising a coupling member configured to rotate inside a socket, the method further comprising: pivoting the casing hom to a substantially horizontal axially aligned orientation from a laterally offset substantially horizontal orientation; and aligning the coupling member in the socket to seal the pivot head for operation.

8. A method according to Claim 6, positioning the intermediate pipe segment in the apparatus so that the intermediate pipe segment is affixed to the apparatus after the support leg is inserted into the bracket.

9. A method according to Claim 1 , wherein the first hom is longer than either the intermediate pipe segment or the casing hom.

10. A method according to Claim 9, wherein the first hom, the intermediate pipe segment and the casing hom are stainless steel tubular members.

11. A method according to Claim 1, wherein the first hom has opposing first and second ends defining a first length and the second hom assembly has opposing first and second ends defining a second length, and wherein the first and second lengths are substantially equal.

12. A method according to Claim 1, wherein the apparatus is a heat-seal apparatus, the method further comprising, when the first hom is in position: forming planar sheet material about the first hom into a tubular casing configuration with axially extending end portions; and sealing the end portions together.

13. A method according to Claim 12, further comprising, when the second hom assembly is in position, pivoting the casing ho out of axial alignment and then placing a slug of casing material onto the casing hom.

14. A method according to Claim 13, further comprising selectively serially engaging the first end portion of the casing hom and the first end portion of the first hom with a shirred voiding/clipping apparatus positioned downstream thereof, the shirred voiding/clipping apparatus having a substantially fixed position thereby producing product encased in a selected casing material.

15. A method according to Claim 14, further comprising positioning a voiding clipping mechanism on the casing hom when the casing horn is in use and tensioning the slug of casing material.

16. A method according to Claim 14, further comprising automatically attaching a clip and/or tie at desired intervals along a length of encased product to thereby form chubs of linked or non-linked encased product.

17. An apparatus with interchangeable homs for engaging a filler/product pump and supplying elongate casings for encasing products therein, comprising: a housing having a support structure and opposing upstream and downstream end portions; a first hom releaseably mountable to the housing support structure, the first hom having a length, an outer surface and an internal flow channel therein, wherein, in operation, the first horn is configured to direct casing material to travel over the outer surface while product travels through the internal flow channel; and a ho rotor assembly releasably mountable to the housing support structure, the hom rotor assembly comprising a pivotable casing hom with an outer surface and an intermediate pipe segment, each having a respective internal flow channel therein, wherein, in operation, product travels through the intermediate flow channel into the pivotable casing hom while the casing hom is adapted to allow a supply of casing material to travel over the outer surface thereof.

18. An apparatus according to Claim 17, wherein the first hom is a heat seal hom configured to cooperate with sheet roll stock to form seamed elastomeric tubular casing in situ.

19. An apparatus according to Claim 18, further comprising means for forming and sealing planar elastomeric sheet roll stock operably associated with the housing.

20. An apparatus according to Claim 17, wherein the first hom axially extends beyond a footprint defined by the housing and the intermediate pipe segment resides substantially within the footprint defined by the housing.

21. An apparatus according to Claim 17, wherein the intermediate pipe segment and the first horn are configured to serially mount to the housing support structure so that, in position, each is aligned therein to have substantially the same axially extending centerline.

22. An apparatus according to Claim 17, wherein the hom rotor assembly has an overall assembled length that includes the assembled respective lengths of the casing hom, pivot head and intermediate pipe segment with the overall assembled hom rotor assembly length being substantially the same as the first hom length.

23. An apparatus according to Claim 17, wherein the housing support structure comprises a support bracket disposed on the downstream end portion of the housing, and wherein the hom rotor assembly comprises a support member configured and sized to releasably attach to the support bracket.

24. An apparatus according to Claim 22, wherein the housing support structure comprises at least one mounting clamp that serially releasably attaches the intermediate pipe segment and/or the first hom, the apparatus further comprising a proximity switch configured to cooperate with the pivot head to detect when the casing hom is in an operational position.

25. An apparatus according to Claim 17, wherein, in operation, the apparatus further comprises a length of seamed tubular elastomeric film held over the outer surface of the first hom and/or a slug of stretchable fibrous casing held over the outer surface of the casing hom.

26. An apparatus according to Claim 17, in combination with a shirred voiding/clipping apparatus, wherein the first hom and the hom rotor assembly are serially mountable to the housing to selectively output a desired casing to a downstream shirred voiding/clipping apparatus that engages an installed first hom or casing hom.

27. An apparatus according to Claim 17, wherein the first hom and the hom rotor assembly are serially mountable to the housing so that either the first hom or intermediate pipe is in fluid communication with a filler/product pump disposed upstream of the housing.

28. An apparatus according to Claim 17, wherein the hom rotor assembly pivotable casing hom comprises a pivot head with a coupling member having a semi- spherical profile and a flow passage held in a socket member having a flow passage, the socket member configured to snugly receive the coupling member while allowing the coupling member to pivot relative thereto, and wherein, in a casing material load position, the pivot head is configured to allow the casing hom to angle generally laterally outward out of axial alignment and, in operative position, the pivot head is configured to allow the casing hom to extend in a substantially horizontal axial aligned position.

29. An apparatus according to Claim 28, wherein the coupling member comprises a groove disposed about an outer surface thereof and an O-ring held in the groove, wherein in operative position, the coupling member and socket flow passages are substantially aligned and the coupling member and socket are sealed to direct product through the flow passages into the casing hom flow channel to thereby inhibit product from otherwise discharging from the pivot head.

30. A hom rotor assembly, comprising: an elongate casing hom having opposing first and second end portions, an outer surface and an internal flow channel, the first end portion configured to reside upstream of the second end portion, wherein the first end portion is adapted to pivotably mount to a support stmcture to allow the second end portion to pivot side to side about a pivot axis.

31. A hom rotor assembly according to Claim 30, further comprising a pivot head having a flow passage extending therethrough, the first end portion of the elongate casing hom attached to the pivot head, wherein the casing horn and pivot head are configured to allow the casing hom to pivot side to side about the pivot axis, from a substantially horizontal axially aligned configuration to a generally horizontal laterally offset configuration, with the casing horn flow channel and pivot head flow passage in fluid communication.

32. A hom rotor assembly according to Claim 31, further comprising a support member attached to the pivot head.

33. A hom rotor assembly according to Claim 32, wherein the support member is a support leg that extends from a side portion of the pivot head substantially vertically downward.

34. A hom rotor assembly according to Claim 31 , further comprising an intermediate pipe segment releaseably attachable to the pivot head so as to be in fluid communication with the pivot head flow passage and casing ho flow channel.

35. A hom rotor assembly according to Claim 30, further comprising a protrusion member mounted to the pivot head, the protrusion member configured to align with a proximity sensor when in operative position to thereby identify that the casing hom and pivot head are in proper operative position.

36. A horn rotor assembly according to Claim 31 , wherein the pivot head comprises a coupling member having a semi-spherical profile that is held in a socket member, the socket member configured to snugly receive the coupling member while allowing the coupling member to pivot relative thereto.

37. A hom rotor assembly according to Claim 31 , wherein, in a casing load configuration, the pivot head is configured to allow the casing hom to angle laterally outwardly and, in operative position, the pivot head is configured to allow the casing hom to extend in a substantially horizontal axially aligned position.

38. A hom rotor assembly according to Claim 31, wherein the coupling member comprises a groove disposed about an outer surface thereof and an O-ring held in the groove, and wherein in operative position, the coupling member and socket flow passages are substantially aligned and the coupling member and socket are sealed to direct product to flow through the flow passages into the casing hom while inhibiting product from otherwise discharging from the pivot head.

39. A hom rotor assembly according to Claim 30, wherein the hom rotor assembly is configured to mount to a heat-seal tubular casing fabrication apparatus, with the second end portion of the elongate casing hom engaging a shirred voiding/clipping apparatus.

40. A hom rotor assembly according to Claim 32, further comprising an intermediate pipe segment attached to the pivot head so as to be in fluid communication with the pivot head flow passage and casing hom flow channel, wherein the support member attaches to a support bracket attached to a heat-seal apparatus and the intermediate pipe segment is sized and configured to mount to a common support region adapted to interchangeably mount a heat-seal hom and the intermediate pipe segment.

41. A hom rotor assembly according to Claim 40, wherein the intermediate pipe segment and the heat-seal hom serially reside in the apparatus so as to have a substantially common axial centerline when each is in a respective operative position.

42. A hom rotor assembly according to Claim 41 , wherein the combined length of the assembled intermediate pipe segment, the pivot head and the casing hom is substantially the same as the heat-seal hom length.

43. A hom rotor assembly according to Claim 30, further comprising an intermediate pipe in fluid communication with the elongate casing horn, in combination with an automated tubular casing fabrication apparatus that produces heat-sealed seamed casings using a heat-seal hom, wherein the hom rotor assembly is configured to releasably mount to the apparatus with the intermediate pipe segment and casing hom configured to replace the heat seal hom.

44. A kit for modifying an apparatus that produces tubular casings from roll-stock to output non-seamed casings, comprising: a casing hom and an intermediate pipe segment; a bracket configured to mount to the apparatus and hold the casing hom and/or intermediate pipe segment with respect thereto; and a pivot head attachable to the casing hom forming a hom rotor assembly that allows the casing hom to pivot generally laterally from a casing load configuration to an operative position.

45. A kit according to Claim 44, wherein the casing hom, pivot head and intermediate pipe segment have an overall length that substantially corresponds to a length of a heat-seal hom adapted to be held in the apparatus.

46. A kit according to Claim 44, further comprising a tension clip attachable to the hom rotor assembly or bracket and configured to hold an end portion of a slug of fibrous shirred casing material for cooperating with a limit switch to identify when a length of the casing material is expended.

47. A kit according to Claim 44, wherein the pivot head includes a protrusion that cooperates with a proximity sensor to identify when the casing hom and/or pivot head is in proper operative position.

48. A kit according to Claim 44, further comprising a support member attached to the pivot head and configured to be held in the bracket to thereby hold the casing hom in aligned axial position with the intermediate pipe segment.

49. A kit according to Claim 48, further comprising at least one clamp configured and sized to secure the intermediate pipe segment to the pivot head.

50. A computer program product for operating an apparatus that releaseably mounts a plurality of different selectable homs to supply different casing material and fill the selected casing material to provide an encased elongate product, the computer program product comprising: a computer readable storage medium having computer readable program code embodied in said medium, said computer-readable program code comprising: computer readable program code configured to provide a plurality of different predetermined operational modes for an apparatus that releaseably mounts first and second horns with different hom configurations to supply different casings over an outer surface thereof and a flowable product therethrough; and computer readable program code configured to run one of the predetermined operational modes responsive to whether a first horn with a first casing material or a second casing hom with a second casing material different from the first casing material is in communication with the apparatus.

51. A computer program product according to Claim 50, further comprising computer readable program code that accepts user input to identify the type of casing material selected for deployment and/or a selection of the operational mode associated with either the first or second hom.

52. A computer program product according to Claim 51 , further comprising computer readable program code configured to inhibit operation until the desired hom is in proper operative position.

53. A computer program product according to Claim 52, wherein the computer readable program code that inhibits operation comprises computer readable program code configured to obtain and analyze data from a proximity sensor positioned to automatically detect when the second hom is in operative horizontal position.

54. A computer program product according to Claim 50, further comprising computer readable program code configured to automatically identify when a casing supply on the second hom is exhausted.

55. A computer program product according to Claim 54, wherein the computer readable program code configured to identify when a casing supply on the second hom is exhausted comprises computer readable program code that detects when a limit switch is triggered responsive to force applied to a lead attached to a trailing edge portion of the supply of casing material as the trailing edge portion of the casing material advances.

56. A computer program product according to Claim 54, further comprising computer readable program code configured to obtain and analyze data from a proximity sensor positioned to automatically detect when the second hom is in an operative position.

57. A computer program product according to Claim 56, further comprising computer readable program code configured to selectively disregard: (a) the computer readable program code configured to identify when a casing supply on the second hom is exhausted; and/or (b) the computer readable program code configured to obtain and analyze data from a proximity sensor positioned to automatically detect when the second hom is in operative horizontal position, when the apparatus is operating with the first hom.

58. A computer program product according to Claim 50, further comprising computer readable program code configured to supply sheet roll stock to the first hom and form the roll stock into a tubular casing configuration in situ.

59. A computer program product according to Claim 58, further comprising computer readable program code that allows a manual stop and start to intermpt product flow to allow an operator to serially position a slug of fibrous casing material on the second hom.

60. A computer program product according to Claim 58, further comprising computer readable program code configured to control product flow from a pump positioned upstream of the apparatus to direct the product to flow through one of the first hom or second hom, responsive to which is installed in communication with the apparatus.

61. A computer program product according to Claim 50, further comprising computer readable program code that automatically identifies the desired operational mode by detecting which hom is in position on the apparatus.

62. A computer program product according to Claim 61 , further comprising computer program code that cooperates with a shirred casing voiding/clipping apparatus to deliver clips to encased product provided by the first or second horn, depending on which is operative.

63. A system for producing encased products using selectable first and second homs to thereby produce products in selectable different casing types, comprising: an apparatus having a releaseably mountable first hom that, in operation, is configured to be in fluid communication with a filler pump located upstream thereof, the first hom configured and sized to flow product therethrough and to cooperate with the apparatus to form, seal and/or guide seamed casing material thereabout; and a releaseably mountable second hom assembly comprising an intermediate pipe segment in fluid communication with a casing hom, wherein, in operation, the second hom assembly is configured to replace the first hom and be in fluid communication with the filler pump for flowing product therethrough.

64. A system according to Claim 63, wherein the casing hom is configured to hold non-seamed casing material thereon and wherein, when in position on the apparatus, the first hom and the intermediate pipe segment have substantially the same axially extending centerline location.

65. A system according to Claim 63, wherein the casing hom has a pivotable end portion.

66. A system according to Claim 64, wherein the second hom assembly comprises a hom rotor with a pivot head having a coupling member and socket configured to allow the casing hom to pivot relative thereto, and wherein the casing hom has a load configuration with the casing hom oriented angularly outward from upstream piping and an operative configuration with the casing hom oriented substantially horizontally axially aligned with upstream piping.

67. A system according to Claim 66, wherein the horn rotor comprises a support leg attached thereto, and wherein the apparatus comprises a leg support bracket fixed thereto, and wherein the means for mounting comprises mounting the support leg in the leg support bracket.