Apparatus and method for filling tubular castings

An apparatus for receiving filling material from a filling tube, comprising:

• a reusable calibrating ring having at least one locking tab and at least one guide tab, the reusable calibrating ring being lockable on the filling tube and comprising two concentric rings which are connected on one side and which are U-shaped in axial cross section wherein the two concentric rings include an outer ring and an inner ring, the outer ring having a diameter larger than the diameter of the inner ring, the outer ring having a dish-shaped shoulder formed thereon at the open side of the U, an outside diameter of the shoulder being equal to a calibrating size of a tubular casing;
• and
• a gathered tubular casing that is fitted over the reusable calibrating ring.

A filling tube comprising:

• a locking device for a reusable calibrating ring, wherein the locking device includes at least one locking element for locking the reusable calibrating ring on the filling tube in a predetermined position;
• and
• a reusable calibrating ring comprising at least one locking tab, at least one guide tab and two concentric rings which are connected on one side and which are U-shaped in axial cross section wherein the two concentric rings include an outer ring and an inner ring, the outer ring having a diameter larger than the diameter of the inner ring, the outer ring having a dish-shaped shoulder formed thereon at the open side of the U, an outside diameter of the shoulder being equal to a calibrating size of a tubular casing.

A reusable calibrating ring for locking on a filling tube, comprising:

• at least one locking tab, at least one guide tab and two concentric rings which are connected on one side and which are U-shaped in axial cross section wherein the two concentric rings include an outer ring and an inner ring, the outer ring having a diameter larger than the diameter of the inner ring, the outer ring having a dish-shaped shoulder formed thereon at the open side of the U, an outside diameter of the shoulder being equal to a calibrating size of a tubular casing.

A kit comprising:

• a reusable calibrating ring comprising at least one locking tab, at least one guide tab and two concentric rings which are connected on one side and which are U-shaped in axial cross section wherein the two concentric rings include an outer ring and an inner ring, the outer ring having a diameter larger than the diameter of the inner ring, the outer ring having a dish-shaped shoulder formed thereon at the open side of the U, an outside diameter of the shoulder being equal to a calibrating size of a tubular casing;
• and
• a filling tube having a locking device for said reusable calibrating ring wherein said locking device includes at least one locking element for locking said reusable calibrating ring on said filling tube in a predetermined position.

A kit comprising:

• at least one gathered tubular casing;
• and
• a reusable calibrating ring that is lockable on a filling tube and comprising at least one locking tab, at least one guide tab and two concentric rings which are connected on one side and which are U-shaped in axial cross section wherein the two concentric rings include an outer ring and an inner ring, the outer ring having a diameter larger than the diameter of the inner ring, the outer ring having a dish-shaped shoulder formed thereon at the open side of the U, an outside diameter of the shoulder being equal to a calibrating size of a tubular casing.