Abstract: A separation chamber particularly suited for meat processing is configurable to have various feed and discharge end diameters and/or chamber length. The separation chamber may also have configurable cutting perforations.

Abstract: A helical discharge flute formed in the sides of a collection cone of a grinding machine is disclosed. The collection cone has a collection area and a discharge area, with a discharge tube at the most downstream end. The helical discharge flute cooperates with an auger located through the bore of the collection discharge area to create a restricted flow of material into the flute. In this manner, only hard particles are removed from the collection cavity of the collection cone and discharged to the discharge tube.

Abstract: An orifice plate for a grinding machine is disclosed as having removal slots or relief areas for ease in removal of the plate from the grinding head. The slots may be aligned with recesses in the head that allow easy insertion of a removal tool. A number of embodiments are contemplated, some of which do not require a recess in the head to be present, and others which may require a recess but do not require alignment.

Abstract: An orifice plate with an outer grinding section and an inner grinding section is disclosed. The outer grinding section is the main grinding section leading to the main material collection stream, and an additional grinding section is present in the inner section of the orifice plate to remove useable material from material swept toward the center of the plate by the action of a rotating knife assembly on the plate. The useable material obtained at the inner section is also led to the main material collection stream.

Abstract: Self-correcting plate guards for installation over an orifice plate of a grinding machine are disclosed. Each plate guard has studs that fit into apertures of an orifice plate. The studs and apertures are sized so that the correct guard must be used with a particular orifice plate. Furthermore, the mounting ring that holds the orifice plate in place on the grinding machine cannot be tightened for use of the grinding machine without the plate guard being installed.

Abstract: A grinding head for a grinding machine is disclosed in which the axial bore of the head is provided with flutes of variable width. The dimension of the flutes from an upstream location to a downstream location of the head is variable to provide different effects in operation of the grinding machine. Flutes may be wider in areas of the head where greater shear is expected or may be narrower in width to decrease backpressure. Flutes may be primarily located adjacent to or along an increased diameter area of the head and may be constructed by casting.

Abstract: A pair of lugs in an opening of a grinding head of a grinding machine and a pair of corresponding openings in an orifice plate of a grinding machine are disclosed to properly orient the plate in the head during assembly. The lugs are preferably of two different sizes so that the orifice plate will only fit into the head in one orientation. The lugs may differ in size such that the person assembling the grinding machine will be able to visualize the correct orientation based on the size of the lugs and corresponding openings.

Abstract: An assembly for providing constant force between a knife assembly and an orifice plate of a grinding machine is disclosed. The assembly comprises a stop in the grinding head of the machine past which the orifice plate cannot be inserted and a tensioning device for maintaining a constant tension of the knife assembly against the orifice plate.

Abstract: Flutes or channels are provided at the ramped entryways of an orifice plate of a grinding machine head. Ramped entryways lead from the grinding surface of the orifice plate to one or more hard material collection passages located toward the center of the plate. Providing flutes at the ramped entryway, rather than a smooth surface, helps control the flow of hard material into the hard material collection passages by creating friction to maintain hard materials in the entryway area once collected there, and by encouraging flow of hard materials toward the collection passage.

Abstract: A helical discharge flute formed in the sides of a collection cone of a grinding machine is disclosed. The collection cone has a collection area and a discharge area, with a discharge tube at the most downstream end. The helical discharge flute cooperates with an auger located through the bore of the collection discharge area to create a restricted flow of material into the flute. In this manner, only hard particles are removed from the collection cavity of the collection cone and discharged to the discharge tube.

Abstract: A wear distributing arrangement for reduction of wear in parts of a grinding machine is disclosed. The arrangement includes the provision of multiple corresponding projections and recesses at evenly spaced radial locations around the circumference of any two parts in a rotating assembly designed to be disassembled and reassembled. Parts bearing projections are reassembled into parts bearing recesses in a random fashion, so that wear to one portion of a part does not prematurely wear it.